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Pecking Order Theory versus Trade-Off Theory: are service SMEs’ capital structure decisions different?

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  • Zélia Serrasqueiro
  • Manuel Armada
  • Paulo Nunes

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyse if the capital structure decisions of service small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are different from those of other types of firm. To do so, we consider four research samples: (i) 610 service SMEs; (ii) 126 service large firms; (iii) 679 manufacturing and construction SMEs; and (iv) 132 manufacturing and construction large firms. Using the two-step estimation method, the empirical evidence obtained in this study shows that the capital structure decisions of service SMEs are different from those of other types of firm. Service SMEs’ capital structure decisions are closer to the assumptions of Pecking Order Theory and further removed from those of Trade-Off Theory compared with the case of other types of firm. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2011

Suggested Citation

  • Zélia Serrasqueiro & Manuel Armada & Paulo Nunes, 2011. "Pecking Order Theory versus Trade-Off Theory: are service SMEs’ capital structure decisions different?," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 5(4), pages 381-409, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:svcbiz:v:5:y:2011:i:4:p:381-409
    DOI: 10.1007/s11628-011-0119-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Miglo, Anton, 2022. "Theories of financing for entrepreneurial firms: a review," MPRA Paper 115835, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. ShiXue He & Marcel Ausloos, 2017. "Impact of the Global Crisis on SME Internal vs. External Financing in China," Papers 1707.06635, arXiv.org.
    3. Emanuele Teti & Maurizio Dallocchio & Tancredi Currao, 2022. "Family ownership and M&A payment method," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(2), pages 1989-2005, April.
    4. Pedro Guedes de Carvalho & Zélia Serrasqueiro & Paulo Maças Nunes, 2013. "Profitability determinants of fitness SMEs: Empirical evidence from Portugal using panel data," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 15(34), pages 417-430, June.
    5. Darshan Pandya & Gopal Kumar, 2023. "Applying Industry 4.0 technologies for the sustainability of small service enterprises," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 17(1), pages 37-59, March.
    6. Sardo, Filipe & Serrasqueiro, Zélia & Félix, Elisabete G.S., 2020. "Does Venture Capital affect capital structure rebalancing? The case of small knowledge-intensive service firms," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 170-179.
    7. Zélia Serrasqueiro & Paulo Maçãs Nunes, 2016. "Determinants of Growth in Portuguese Small and Medium-Sized Hotels: Empirical Evidence Using Panel Data Models," Tourism Economics, , vol. 22(2), pages 375-396, April.
    8. Balushi, Yasmeen Al & Locke, Stuart & Boulanouar, Zakaria, 2018. "Islamic financial decision-making among SMEs in the Sultanate of Oman: An adaption of the theory of planned behaviour," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 30-38.
    9. Sardo, Filipe & Serrasqueiro, Zélia & Armada, Manuel Rocha, 2022. "The importance of owner loans for rebalancing the capital structure of small knowledge-intensive service firms," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Other firms; Pecking Order Theory; Service SMEs; Trade-Off Theory; Two-step estimation method; G32; L80;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L80 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - General

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