Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2018, Management

The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that only 1% of Black companies generate over a million dollars in sales yet they are responsible for 61% of all jobs created by minority-owned firms. How can more Black businesses be positioned to contribute? This research seeks to better understand Black business growth by employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods design approach beginning with a qualitative study followed by two quantitative studies. This three-part research project unfolds by first exploring barriers that high performing African American and non-minority firms are confronted with when trying to grow their businesses. Findings revealed that African American firms are faced with a number of different forms of racial discrimination. Gender bias is found to be a barrier for women-owned firms and access to capital is still found to be an obstacle to growth for African American firms. These barriers were overcome by leveraging numerous types of relationships, utilizing preferential procurement programs and relying on faith and prayer. The findings from the first study informed measures for a quantitative phase to determine to what extent leadership attributes such as emotional and social intelligence and faith/prayer reliance correlate with small business growth attitudes among minority entrepreneurs. Findings suggest that the sense of God at work has a positive relationship with small business attitudes, specifically the importance of sales and employment growth. Additionally, perceived shared vision fully mediates the effect of emotional and social competency inventory (ESCI) Leadership traits on the importance of sales and employment growth. It is the integration of these two studies that prompt a deeper look at Black business growth. The third study measures discriminatory business practices and its association with business growth as well as other factors that may contribute to growth. The following factors were measured: faith, entrepreneurial (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Diana Bilimoria (Committee Chair); Richard Boyatzis (Committee Member); Julie Exline (Committee Member); John Butler (Committee Member); James Gaskin (Committee Member) Subjects: African American Studies; African Americans; Business Administration; Business Community; Religion; Spirituality