Analyzing Success Factors of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Study in Iranian Context

Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze the success factors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) following the lines of dynamic capabilities and resources-based views. Methodology: To achieve this objective, the multiple case study method was followed, where 20 SMEs/cases in Iran were selected. For this purpose, the statistical population of the research is the managers, experts and experts of small and medium-sized enterprises. For determining the sample size, a targeted sampling method has been used. The reliability of the questionnaire was also confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha (α = 0.971) and its validity was confirmed by experts and experts. Finally, ISM technique used to analyze information. Findings: From a content analysis of the interviews conducted to the owner-managers of these SMEs, the most important success factors identified were: 1) Business environment, 2) Capital availability, 3) Business support, 4) Leadership and Management, 5) Business characteristics, 6) Individual factors, 7) Government Support, 8) Infrastructure, 9) Human Resource Management and 10) Networks/Partnerships.