Naslov
The Challenges of SME Business Transfers: The Evidence from Croatia and Finland

Autori
Alpeza, Mirela ; Tall, Juha ; Mezulić Juric, Petra

Izvornik
Organizacija : journal of management, information systems and human resources (1318-5454) 51 (2018), 2; 135-145

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
SMEs ; business transfer ; business transfer ecosystem

Sažetak
Background and Purpose: In the life cycle of a firm, business transfer represents the critical stage of development. Underestimating the complexity and longevity of this process can have negative implications for firms, their owners and wide network of stakeholders. The aim of this paper is to compare the attitude towards business transfer of entrepreneurs aged 55 and more in Croatia and Finland and provide policy recommendations for improvement of the national business transfer ecosystems. Methodology/Approach: Both surveys targeted entrepreneurs aged 55 and more using the same questionnaire, with some adjustments to Croatian business transfer ecosystem. Finish barometer was conducted through web-based survey among members of Federation of Finnish Enterprises. Survey in Croatia was conducted with combination of CATI and CAWI collection method by a professional data collection agency. Data collected was compared based on a demographic criterion, industry background, experience in business transfer, expected future of the company, support needed and biggest challenges. Results: The research results indicated a growing number of entrepreneurs in Croatia who will be interested in selling their firm once they withdraw from the business and less than expected family business successions. In Finland the most important challenges are related to business valuation and finding a successor or a buyer. Conclusion: For further development of business transfer ecosystem in Croatia it is recommended to focus on awareness raising activities, channels for matching sellers and buyers, promotion of takeover entrepreneurship and consultancy support for micro enterprises. In Finland results indicate the importance of investing continuous efforts in raising the effectiveness of the measures implemented.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

Napomena
This work is funded by the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek Grant No. IZIP-2016-126 “Business Transfer Challenges in small and medium enterprises – Comparison of Finland and Croatia”.

POVEZANOST RADA