STRATEGY

EDITOR'S NOTE

The articles in this issue reflect an opportunistic focus in helping our readers come to grips
with both desirable and undesirable change. From both an internal organizational cultural
point-of-view and the fast-second threat of major competition, the growth management
challenges are afl to familiar to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In our lead article, Laurence Weinzimmer, Fred Fry and Paul Nystrom set the tone by
emphasizing the critical role of opportunistic decision-making. The cutting edge integrative
research model developed in their paper provides needed insight into why successful small
business owners are involved in opportunity search efforts. Such efforts may be especially
critical when "Wal-Mart Comes to Town", as discussed by Jeffrey McGee and Troy
Festervand. Their paper reviews in great detail the rebalancing and reformationof competitive
strategies by small business merchants in response to the arrival of the discount retailing giants.

An oflen overlooked source of competitive advantage for the small business firm is
organizational culture. Patricia Kosters, Mary Lynn Damhorst and Grace Kunz provide a
comprehensive case study approach that investigates and identifies the organizational cultural
determinants of successful performance. Of special interest to small business consultants, is
the well designed survey questionnaire used in their study and the specific recommendations
offered.

In a well researched and very patiently revised research study, Candida Brush examines
the competitive effects of early and late export entry by small business firms. Quite
remarkably, Dr. Brush demonstrates how the significance of the visionary perspective or
international business view held by the entrepreneurial leader is a critical key to success. This
international business theme continues with an examination of the financial-economic
characteristics of micro-enterprise manufacturing in Kenya by Professors Gary, Cooley and
Lutabingwa.

Finally, in an effort to correct editorial problems and solve communication issues, we have
corrected and reprinted an article by Ron Cook and Dale Fox that appeared in our Summer
1996 issue. Nevertheless, their findings emphasize the importance of proactive public policy
interaction by small and medium-sized firms.

In looking ahead to Volume 8, we hope to address some of the contemporary issues and
trends in telecommuting and small home-based business success. Your continuing
contributions in this area will be appreciated.

Joseph F. Singer, Ph.D.
Editor