Founder-centred management can block SME growth, advisers say
As small firms expand, concentrated decision-making and hands-on founders can become bottlenecks. Advisors point to delegation, team capability and operating systems as the fixes.
Useful takeaways from this story.
Scaling needs systems, role clarity and teams empowered to make decisions without constant founder approval.
Execution ability and adaptability, not market opportunity alone, determine which SMEs scale successfully.
The useful part
Go News Politics Education Environment Traffic Crime Brainteaser Copy link Most Read 1. World's second most visited country ranks third in tourism development ranking 3. Wife of Southeast Asia's richest man slips to 3rd on Vietnam's rich list 4.
How it works
- As the business grew, however, operational issues consumed more of his time, leaving less room for strategic planning.
- I needed to think strategically and learn how to lead change," Francis said.
- Photo courtesy of the university British University Vietnam offers the MSc International Business Management (MIBM), targeting working professionals and business owners.
- Photo courtesy of the university The MIBM covers international business strategy, finance, operations, project management, data analytics and emerging markets.
- Through BUV's network of more than 500 corporate partners, students can also meet industry experts and senior executives.
What to take from it
BUV's postgraduate programs provide opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals. They know customers, make quick decisions and solve problems themselves. Vietnam beat Pakistan 4-2 to set up FIFA ASEAN Cup third-place clash with Malaysia 6.
Example or evidence
- 23-year-old college dropout builds $10B AI startup in less than a year 2.
- Make VnExpress a preferred source to prioritise our updates in your Google search results As small businesses grow, founder-centered management can become a constraint, forcing owners to rethink delegation,...
- Billionaire Forrest Li's Sea becomes Southeast Asia's first to use Nvidia's next-generation AI chips 10.
- In the early stages, SME founders are often among their companies' greatest strengths.
Details worth keeping
One reason many SMEs struggle to scale, according to business advisors. Which airline has Southeast Asia's highest revenue? Singapore-listed company to take over 1,100 Starbucks outlets in Asia 7.
Related coverage
- Scotsman: Dr Yvonne Davies says we are good at creating start-ups but could do more to help companies take the next big step
- Omanobserver: Despite the attention given by the relevant authorities to self-employment and initiatives aimed at supporting small enterprises, many of these businesses are now experiencing a de...
- Inc: You need systems in place so your talent doesn't need to recreate the wheel.
- Entrepreneur: More clients, more employees and more revenue can look like success. But if growth isn't creating more profit, a stronger company and a better life, you may simply be building a bigger job.
- Tuoitre: Chỉ 44% doanh nghiệp tại Cần ThÆ¡ Ä'ược khảo sát cho biết có lãi trong năm 2025, trong khi khoảng 80% chÆ°a có kế hoạch mở rá»™ng hoạt Ä'á»™ng
More context around this story.
Why Scotland must address the key scale-up challenges
Dr Yvonne Davies says we are good at creating start-ups but could do more to help companies take the next big step
What is holding back small enterprises in the private sector?
Despite the attention given by the relevant authorities to self-employment and initiatives aimed at supporting small enterprises, many of these businesses are now experiencing a de...
The Scaling Trap Most Entrepreneurs Miss
You need systems in place so your talent doesn’t need to recreate the wheel.
Your Business Is Growing — So Why Aren’t You Making More Money? Here’s the Revenue Trap Many Founders Fall Into.
More clients, more employees and more revenue can look like success. But if growth isn’t creating more profit, a stronger company and a better life, you may simply be building a bigger job.
Cần ThÆ¡ có hÆ¡n 20.000 doanh nghiệp nhÆ°ng vì sao doanh nghiệp lá»›n lại quá Ãt?
Chỉ 44% doanh nghiệp tại Cần Thơ được khảo sát cho biết có lãi trong năm 2025, trong khi khoảng 80% chưa có kế hoạch mở rộng hoạt động
Doanh nghiệp Ấn Äá»™ muốn tham gia phát triển hạ tầng hà ng không, năng lượng sạch ở Việt Nam
Thủ tÆ°á»›ng Lê Minh HÆ°ng cho biết hạ tầng hà ng không, năng lượng sạch là những Æ°u tiên phát triển của Việt Nam, mong muốn doanh nghiệp Ấn Äá»™ sẽ có dá»± án hợp tác tiêu biểu trong các lÄ©nh vá»±c nà y.
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