The decision-making process and the use of causation and effectuation in the transition from small to medium firms: cases of hospitality industry in Curitiba-PR

Abstract

This study sought to analize how the changes caused by the growth of the company affect the decision-making process, focusing on the transition from small to medium businesses. We attempted to fill the existing gap over this period of transition between small and medium firms, especially in the aspects addressed by the logical Causation and Effectuation, described by Sarasvathy (2001). The research was qualitative and exploratory in nature and makes use of the method of case studies through interviews with entrepreneurs, their successors and managers in the hospitality industry, which is a service sector that has had great visibility and growth in recent years. At the end of the survey, it was concluded that the transition from small to medium business affects decisions to i) increase the formalization of processes, ii) there is a small delegation of powers, iii) there is a greater distancing of the employees and senior management, iv) there is a greater concern with training of staff, v) a support team for decision making is established, vi) there is concern about the long term, vii) rational aspects are considered for decision, viii) the responsibilities become clearer and ix) more autonomy is delegated to employees.