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PublicationArticle (with peer review)

The Strategic Management of High-Growth Firms: A Review and Theoretical Conceptualization

Abstract

Scholars’ knowledge of the factors behind high-growth firms remains fragmented. This paper provides a systematic review of the empirical literature concerning high-growth firms with a focus on the strategic aspects contributing to growth. Based on our review of 39 articles, we identify five drivers of high growth: human capital, strategy, human resource management, innovation, and capabilities. These drivers are combined to develop a conceptual model of high-growth firms that includes potential contingency factors among the five drivers. We also propose a research agenda to deepen the study of high-growth firms in strategic management.
Related content: Working paper No. 273

Demir, R., Wennberg, K., & McKelvie, A. (2017). The Strategic Management of High-Growth Firms: A Review and Theoretical Conceptualization. Long Range Planning, 50(4), 431-456. DOI: 10.1016/j.lrp.2016.09.004

Details

Author
Demir, R., Wennberg, K., & McKelvie, A.
Publication year
2017
Published in

Long Range Planning

Related

  • Professor

    Karl Wennberg

    +46705105366karl.wennberg@ratio.se
  • Associate Professor

    Robert Demir

    +46705117484robert.demir@ratio.se

Similar content

Article (with peer review)

Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Entrepreneurship Research

Rönkkö, M., Maula, M., Wennberg, K.
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Publication year

2025

Published in

Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice (ETP)

Abstract

Configurational research has great promise in entrepreneurship. There are few universal laws or relationships that hold under all circumstances. More often, optimal entrepreneurial outcomes are contingent on many factors. Consequently, configurational analysis using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) has become increasingly popular. However, methodological research in sociology and political science has raised concerns about possible false positive findings produced by this method. In this editorial, we explore the potential and the common pitfalls of QCA in entrepreneurship research, as well as guidelines for its use.

Book chapter

Strategising Underground

Demir, R., Grossmann-Hensel, B., Jarzabkowski, P., Kratochvil, R., Seidl, D., ...

Publication year

2025

Published in

Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract

Frontline Strategy Work has recently evolved into an important phenomenon in Strategy-as-Practice (SAP) research, particularly concerning frontline employees (FLEs). FLEs are non-managerial staff with distinct roles, identities, and organisational tasks. They are typically divided into two categories: frontline workers, who handle operational, supplier, and customer-facing roles, and frontline leaders, who oversee teams and report to middle management. Despite lacking managerial privileges, FLEs play a critical role in bridging the organisation and its customers, influencing customer satisfaction and organisational outcomes. Frontline Strategy Work is crucial to understanding how strategy emerges in organisations. SAP scholars have expanded the traditional view of strategising beyond upper management. The focus on Frontline Strategy Work has brought FLEs into strategic analysis, enabling scholars to apply various theoretical lenses.

Book chapter

Frontline Strategy Work

Demir, R., Grossmann-Hensel, B., Jarzabkowski, P., Kratochvil, R., Seidl, D., ...

Publication year

2025

Published in

Edward Elgar Publishing.

Abstract

Frontline Strategy Work has recently evolved into an important phenomenon in Strategy-as-Practice (SAP) research, particularly concerning frontline employees (FLEs). FLEs are non-managerial staff with distinct roles, identities, and organisational tasks. They are typically divided into two categories: frontline workers, who handle operational, supplier, and customer-facing roles, and frontline leaders, who oversee teams and report to middle management. Despite lacking managerial privileges, FLEs play a critical role in bridging the organisation and its customers, influencing customer satisfaction and organisational outcomes. Frontline Strategy Work is crucial to understanding how strategy emerges in organisations. SAP scholars have expanded the traditional view of strategising beyond upper management. The focus on Frontline Strategy Work has brought FLEs into strategic analysis, enabling scholars to apply various theoretical lenses.

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