Greek hidden champions:: lessons from small, little-known firms in Greece

Irini Voudouris, Spyros Lioukas, Spyros Makridakis and Yiannis Spanos

European Management Journal, 2000, vol. 18, issue 6, 663-674

Abstract: The purpose of the research described in this paper is to first identify successful Greek SMEs that can be qualified as `hidden champions' and second to uncover the factors that have contributed to their success. These factors relate to their choice of markets served, their relationships with customers and suppliers, innovative behavior, leadership and human resources management practices. The findings suggest that four overall themes or `recipes' may explain the success of these firms: (a) intense specialization in narrowly defined market segments, (b) commitment to customer service, (c) innovative culture and adaptation to new technologies, and (d) strong leadership and a healthy organizational climate.

Keywords: SMEs; Champions; Competitive; advantage; Niche; markets; Customer; services; Innovation; Leadership (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2000
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