Motivations for Success: Case of U.S. Textile and Apparel Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been playing an important role in the U.S. economy for a long time. The contribution of SMEs to the textile and apparel industry has been intensified in the global economy. Yet, little is known about what motivates SMEs for success. An understanding of motivations for success is critical to SMES' business strategies and performance. This study explored SMEs' motivations for success through the theoretical framework of Maslow's (1943) theory of human motivation. Results of the content analysis of two prominent small business magazines suggested that Maslow's theory provided a reasonable framework, and that textile and apparel SME owners explained filling the niche as physiological needs, financial security as safety needs, building intimate relationship as love needs, recognition and respect as esteem needs, and being good global citizen as self-actualization needs for their success. The study concludes with contributions, implications, limitations, and future research opportunities.