Using Subjective Evaluations of Organizational Performance in Small Business Research

Abstract

Frequently small business researchers cannot obtain accurate objective information on organizational performance. However, an important research study of 26 large firms completed by Dess and Robinson (1984) has suggested that researchers can, in certain instances, use subjective evaluations of organizational performance when accurate objective measures are unavailable. The present study of 34 small firms was designed to partially replicate and to extend the Dess and Robinson study. However, none of the significant correlations in the Dess and Robinson study were replicated in the present study. Reasons for these discrepancies are discussed within the context of developing a set of guidelines for using subjective evaluations in small business research.