Applicability of Performance Prism in SMEs: a multiple case study

Abstract In the performance assessment models literature, is rather rare research that discusses the Performance Prism Framework, specifically in using it as management tool and in checking its validity as driver strategy instrument. There are also few studies on the applicability related to the implementation, use and analysis of the Performance Prism Framework in micro and small businesses. In this sense, this article has as main objective to propose (i) a bibliometric study of the Performance Prism Framework; and (ii) to develop a multiple case study of micro and small business. To meet the first goal, we used a bibliometric desk research method in the major databases, such as ISI Web of Knowledge, EBSCO and Proquest, which generated 81 articles. From them, we analyzed specifically few studies. To achieve the second goal, a multiple case study method with five micro and small businesses (e.g., sports segments, drugstore, clothing, department store and an apparel faction) was held. The findings confirmed the five dimensions of the Performance Prism Framework, called: (1) Stakeholders Satisfaction; (2) Contribution of Stakeholders; (3) Strategies; (4) Processes; and (5) Capabilities. In addition, we extend previous literature and proposed another dimension called (6) Performance Dynamic. The results also showed that the Capabilities is strongly seen as training employees, the Performance Dynamics are fundamentally weighted as sales amount, not as profit and the Contribution of Stakeholders is hardly evident.