Resource-factor support for the competitive functioning of small and medium-sized enterprises: The potential of a cognitive approach

Abstract

The study is aimed at substantiating and proving the feasibility of using a cognitive approach in determining the role and impact of available resources on ensuring the competitive functioning of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors of the study have developed a toolkit for the implementation of the competitive functioning of SMEs through resource-factor support in the framework of the cognitive approach acting as a methodological basis and used while implementing the expert analysis, designated as a methodical foundation. The functional qualities of competitive management of SMEs, expressed through four functional indicators: producing results, administration of activities, proactive and creative development, integration of the internal and external environment, have been defined by the authors of this study based on the concept of managerial roles by I. Adizes. In accordance with the theory of production factors by O.V. Inshakov, C. Hofer, the authors have substantiated the content of eight resources for managing SMEs: human, technical, material, organizational, informational, institutional, financial, reputational. The scientific novelty of the study includes combining the concept of managerial roles with a resource-factor approach and applying a cognitive approach to determine the degree of participation of resources in ensuring the competitive functioning of SMEs.