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Ahmed Imran Hunjra et al./ Elixir Inter. Busi. Mgmt. 116 (2018) 50250-50256
Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com (Elixir International Journal)
International Business Management
Elixir Inter. Busi. Mgmt. 116 (2018) 50250-50256
Determinants of Firm Growth: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Ahmed Imran Hunjra1, Azhar Iftikhar2, Asad Mehmood3 and Kaleem Ullah4
1
Post-Doctoral Fellow, School of Accounting, Finance and Economics, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
and Assistant Professor, UIMS-PMAS- University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
2
MS Scholar, UIMS-PMAS-University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
3
Visiting Lecturer, UIMS-PMAS-University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
4
PhD Scholar, Islamia College Peshawar and Lecturer, UIMS-PMAS-University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
ARTICLE INFO
Arti cl e h i sto ry :
Received: 30 July 2016;
Received in revised form:
13 March 2018;
Accepted: 24 March 2018;
K ey w o rd s
Firm Growth,
Leverage,
Age,
Size,
Profitability,
Liquidity,
Innovation.
AB S T RA C T
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of financial determinants on firm
growth. The impact of financial determinants: profitability, leverage, innovation and
leverage on firm growth are studied. Firm size and firm age are also included to
investigate how such variables effect firm growth. Data was collected for a sample of 373
non-financial companies listed at Karachi Stock Exchange for a period of six years from
2006 to 2011. Fixed effect model for panel data was applied for analysis and results. The
results of this research show that financial determinants of profitability, leverage and
innovation have a positive and significant impact on firm growth in Pakistani context.
Firm size also have a significant positive effect. However, there is negative relationship
of firm age on firm growth. Liquidity has a positive relationship with growth, yet its
impact was non-significant. More comprehensive, detailed and extended analysis in
future studies will definitely be helpful in gaining a profound understanding of different
aspects of the growth of the firms, and hence in formulating better policies for economic
development at micro and macro level.
© 2018 Elixir all rights reserved.
Introduction
Growth of firms is vital in overall economic well being.
So ample resources need to be planned and allocated by
governments, economists and international organizations for
the growth and development of businesses. To ensure that
usefulness of such efforts, effective programs for
improvement of firm growth need to be implemented. Hence,
the process and the variables that lead to firm growth need to
be clearly understood. According to Wiklund (1998) [1], the
term „Growth‟ signifies the changes that happen in the
magnitude and size from one period to another. In the words,
growth has two distinct meanings. Firstly, it means the
changes relevant to the amount while a firm progresses in size
from small to large. Secondly, growth is a comprehensive
process of organizational change that includes a range of
changes other than size of the firm [2]. Davidsson, Delmar &
Wiklund (2006) [3] viewed that firm growth is a multidimensional and complex concept that can be hard to predict.
It is its diversity of scope that makes it a demanding subject
for research. Firm growth can be measured in a variety of
ways with diversity in the unit of such growth measurement.
Thus, the researchers, managers and policymakers must be
aware of this versatility of the phenomenon of firm growth.
The growth of firms is vital in overall economic well-being,
ample resources are needed to be planned and allocated by
governments, economists and international organizations for
the growth and development of businesses.
Various theories of firm growth have been presented by
researchers in the course of history. One of the earliest
theories presented in this respect is the Law of Proportional
Effect given by Gibrat (1931) [4] that takes the firm growth as
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a random process and no clear relation can be established
between firm growth and its size variation, i.e., size at the start
and at the end. The low presented by Gibrat [4] has been
tested by many researchers with varying results. Some of the
studies completely support Gibrat‟s Law, like Hart (1962) [5],
Hart and Prais (1956) [6] and some results demonstrate partial
confirmation of the Gibrat‟s Law [4]. Hymer and Pashigan
(1962) [7] conclude irrelevance between firm growth and firm
size. The studies undertaken by Kumar (1985) [8] and Evans
(1987) [9] points out that there is a negative correlation
between firm growth and firm size while the work of Hart
(2000) [10] and Glancey (1998) [11] shows that rate of growth
for younger firms is comparatively faster than large and
mature firms.
The next milestone in respect of research on firm‟s
growth is the work of Penrose (1959) [12] who presented the
resource based view of firm growth. Penrose deviated from
the traditional „firm size‟ perspective and emphasized
considering the firm as a collection of resources and how such
resources are utilized for growth. Penrose analyzed the process
of how quickly firms accumulate such resources and what
opportunities of firm growth could be possible in case of
under-utilization of firm‟s resources. Further studies
conducted by behavioral economists like [13] [14] [15] show
that the differences in form size leading to firm growth are due
to the difference between ownership structure and objectives
of control. When the ownership and control of the firm are
separate, then the managers who are the controllers of the firm
try to maximize their own interests rather than the value of the
firm. Thus behavioral views of firm growth analyze firm
performance and growth based on diversity in firm behaviors.
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Recent developments in research on firm growth have
transport. The findings indicated that small firms had a higher
resulted in the development of models of learning and
average growth than large firms.
selection. According to Geroski (1995) [16], survival and
The ultimate goal of any economic activity is to earn
growth of the firm depends upon how it learns and adapts
profit. We can measure this profit by a number of ways, most
itself to the changing environment. Jovanovic (1982) [17]
common of which being Return on Equity (ROE) that we can
presented a model of evolution of industry based on random
calculate by dividing net income by shareholders‟ equity. The
distribution of firm‟s cost curves to firm related shocks. He
measures of Return on Equity and profitability are a popular
points out that with the passage of time, firms learns how such
indicator of the growth potential of an enterprise. A firm with
shocks affect their performance. Those firms that pass through
a high Return on Equity holds the scope for investment and
favorable shocks have greater potential of growth and
such increased investment definitely results in enhanced
survival, while others may not adjust to firm specific shocks
growth. Penrose (1959) [12] added managerial impact concept
and their performance may decline that may lead to even
to the traditional relationship that was believed to exist
closing of business. It is further concluded that small firms
between profitability and growth. The devotion to grow is
have greater but more volatile growth rates and compared to
determined by the interest and the capacity of maximization of
those with larger size. Stage theories of firm growth have also
profitability. Glancey (1998) [11] formulated his study based
been presented explaining changes in the optimum size of the
on the arguments supported by Penrose and found a positive
firm over time. Greiner (1972) [18] presented five phase view
relationship between profitability and growth. Coad and Holzl
of firm evolution. These five phases are: creativity, direction,
(2010) [27] found that profitability and growth did not show a
delegation, co-ordination and collaboration. Study conducted
clear relationship and empirical research could not show
by Mueller (1972) [19] shows that a profit maximizing firm
consensus between these two aspects. Goddard, Molyneux and
may experience only a finite push of growth by bringing in
Wilson (2004) [28] argued that profitability and growth did
each new innovation. Although stage theories of firm growth
not have a clear linkage between each other. They concluded
are useful in understanding of growth concept, yet these
that there was an ambiguous relationship between profitability
theories fail to explain why firms show variable results while
and growth. Jang and Park (2011) [29] showed a positive
passing through same phase of growth.
relationship between previous rates of profit on the current
As the concept of firm growth is a complex and versatile
rate of growth. Serap ÇOBAN (2014) [30] found a statistically
phenomenon, various growth models and theories have been
significant positive relation between current profits and
presented over time. Still no single theory can
current growth. He also found that the impact of current
comprehensively explain the evolution of firm and the growth
profits on current growth was much stronger than the impact
phenomenon. Hence, according to Coad (2009) [20], the
of current growth on current profits in the case of Turkish
empirical approach seems appropriate to analyze the firm
manufacturing firms. These results appeared to contradict the
growth based on facts and figures. This study focuses the
theories in Industrial Organization which suggested a negative
empirical evidence of the determinants of firm growth based
relationship.
on the analysis of Pakistani firms.
According to Pecking Order theory, firms use the
principle of least effort in prioritizing their sources of
Review of Literature
Various theories of firm growth have been presented by
financing. We can say that packing order theory has the
researchers in the course of history. One of the earliest
sequence of use of internally generated capital, followed by
theories presented in this respect is the Law of Proportional
external debt, and issuance of equity as a final resort. Packing
Effect given by Gibrat (1931) [4] that takes the firm growth as
order theory was suggested by Donaldson (1961) [31] and
a random process and no clear relation can be established
then it was improved by Myers and Majluf (1984) [32]. The
between firm growth and its size variation. The focus of most
relevance of packing order phenomenon to our study is that
of empirical studies on firm growth is on the size and age
the most inexpensive way of raising additional capital is the
effects. Hall (1987) [21] presented evidence on firm
internal sources of financing of a firm. Huyghebaert and Van
employment growth from publicly traded firms in the US
de Gucht (2007) [33] highlighted that young companies often
manufacturing sector. The results showed that small firms tend
faced comparatively limited access to external financing and if
to grow faster than the large ones. Wagner (1992) [22] tested
successful in attracting external debt, such companies had to
Gibrat's law with a data set of manufacturing establishments
pay higher price. Thus, young companies faced greater risk of
from Germany for 1978-1989. Wagner did not find any size
failure. Therefore, the growth possibility for young companies
effect of growth, and hence Gibrat's law seemed to hold.
is generally limited as compared to mature companies.
Harhoff et al. (1998) [23] did, however, find evidence that
Another angle of explanation of the financing sequence
small firms grow faster than large ones. Almus and Nerlinger
expressed by packing order theory is that the managers want
(2000) [24] studied new firms established in German
to keep full control of the company to themselves. Therefore,
manufacturing sector. Small firms were found to grow faster
they demonstrate hesitation in raising funds from sources
than large ones. Dunne and Hughes (1994) [25] looked at both
outside the company. Additionally, acquisition of funds
the quoted and unquoted UK companies in the period 1975through debt financing is comparatively harder for new firms
1985. The study suggested that size matters for growth for
as banks and other financial institutions do not possess the
small firms. Hart and Oulton (1996) [26] provided further
financial track record and comprehensive credit score about
evidence on firm growth from the UK. In their results, small
such start-up firms. Positive effect of leverage on growth of
firms outperformed bigger firms and hence Gibrat's law was
the firm has been found in various studies like Heshmati
violated. Kumar (1985) [8] investigated the size effect and
(2001) [34], Honjo and Harada (2006) [35]. According to
persistence of growth on UK data. A notable difference with
Rahaman (2011) [36], as the firms get more grip on
earlier studies was that this data set also contained a limited
overcoming the constraints in external financing, they
range of service industries such as wholesale, retail, and
emphasize more on external financing sources as compared to
internal financing option. He found a positive and a significant
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Ahmed Imran Hunjra et al./ Elixir Inter. Busi. Mgmt. 116 (2018) 50250-50256
relation between leverage and firm growth. Huyn and Petrunia
Mathur (2011) [51] showed that the firms which were able to
(2010) [37] also studied the effect of leverage and initial
maintain higher levels of liquidity had to face less severe
financial size as firm growth determinants and found a
financing limitations. Surplus cash available would shrink
positive non-linear relationship between leverage and firm
financing constraints, thus enabling the company to finance
growth.
the growth opportunities at comparatively lesser cost. Firms
Among the determinants of firm growth, innovation has
having the capability to invest at a reduced cost were more
been one of the most important drivers. By adapting better
inclined for investment and thus aiming for higher growth.
operating methods and investment in innovative products,
This study proposes a conceptual framework of the
companies can achieve a competitive edge. While reviewing
relationship between firm growth and its financial
empirical literature, it is found that different methods for the
determinants: Profitability, Leverage, Innovation, Liquidity,
measurement of innovation have been presented by
and also firm size and firm age. On the basis of this theoretical
researchers. Coad and Rao (2006) [38] measured innovation
framework “Fig. 1”, research model has been developed and
based on the number of patients and the volume of R&D
data collection carried out accordingly
expenditure. Cainelli, Evangelista & Savona (2006) [39]
studied the Italian companies working in services sector for
the impact of innovation on economic performance. They
investigated, among other questions, the impact of innovation
on the performance of companies with reference to growth and
productivity. Their findings express a positive impact of
innovation on productivity as well as growth. Thus it is
concluded that innovating companies showed better results
related to growth as compared to non-innovating companies.
Haned & Colombelli (2011) [40] also investigated the
correlation between innovation and firm growth by using data
of French firms and found that firms with more innovative
products indicate more growth as compared to firms that do
not have significant developments in product innovation.
Other researchers that came up with similar findings are Roper
Figure 1. Theoretical framework
(1997) [41], Geroski and Machin (1992) [42] and Corsino
Based on the empirical literature about determinants of
(2008) [43]. Bottazzi et al. (2001) [44] conducted the study on
firm growth, this study investigated the following hypotheses:
large pharmaceutical firms based on the data comprising a
H1: Profitability has a positive impact on firm growth.
period of eleven years and no significant relationship was
H2: Leverage has a positive impact on firm growth.
found between innovation and firm growth. Geroski &
H3: Innovation has a positive impact on firm growth.
Mazzucato (2002) [45] also expressed irrelevance between
H4: Liquidity has a positive impact on firm growth.
innovation and growth as an outcome of their study of car
H5: Firm size has a negative impact on firm growth.
manufacturing companies of United States by analyzing data
H6: Firm age has a negative impact on firm growth.
from 1910 to 1998. Aldemir (2011) [46] examined the
Materials and Methods
relationship between intangible assets and firm growth based
Panel data was used by Gill and Mathur (2011) [51] for
on a sample of Spanish renewable energy producers. A
the period 2008-2010 to estimate the factors affecting
positive and significant impact of intangible assets was found
potential growth of Canadian service and manufacturing firms,
on firm growth for small companies, while no significant
by applying non-experimental and co-relational research
relationship could be established for large companies. Geroski
design. Mateev and Anastasov (2010) [49] also undertook
(1999) [47] came up with the findings that growth rates of
OLS regression with a panel data methodology for the
large and/or old firms are mostly unpredictable and irregular.
empirical research on determinants that are concerned with
Alex Coad, Agustí Segarra and Mercedes Teruel (2016) [48]
fast growing SMEs in the regions of Central and Eastern
found that young firms face larger performance benefits from
Europe. They argued that the examination based on panel data
R&D at the upper quantiles of the growth rate distribution, but
was suitable for controlling heterogeneity and also reducing
face larger decline at the lower quantiles. R&D investment by
collinearity that may be present among variables, and this
young firms therefore appeared to be significantly riskier than
technique was helpful in eliminating the potential biases
R&D investment by more mature firms.
present in the resulting estimation stemming from correlation
Firm growth undertakes the idea that companies grow at a
between masked individual effects and explanatory variables
faster pace if they demonstrate a persistent level of current
under study in the model. Based on the same methodology
assets to pay off their short term liabilities. Mateev &
mentioned above, this study applied analytical models on the
Anastasov (2010) [49] used current ratio as a measure of the
panel data of firms in non financial sectors that are listed at
level of short-term liquidity. They argued that an increase in
KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange) to find the impact of various
the current ratio (calculated by dividing the current assets by
financial determinants on firm growth, and also to know the
the current liabilities) lead to strengthening of liquidity
linkages of firm age and its size on firm growth in Pakistani
position of firm. The companies with lesser level of liquidity
context. For this study, our main emphasis was on financial
faced more cash restraints and thus, had to face greater
ratios and how such ratios had an influence on growth of
difficulties in making payments to suppliers. Thus, a healthy
companies in Pakistani context. For finding these ratios, data
cash cycle needed good relationship with suppliers and
was collected from financial statements in annual reports of
adequate working capital [50]. A company that was not in a
the companies listed at KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange) and
position to hold a certain level of liquidity may have to
from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) publication „Financial
struggle to keep its existence at a prominent level. Gill &
Statements Analysis of Companies (Non-Financial) Listed at
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Ahmed Imran Hunjra et al./ Elixir Inter. Busi. Mgmt. 116 (2018) 50250-50256
Karachi Stock Exchange (2006-2011)‟. Data about firm age
companies. As the data was collected for six years (2006was gathered from Securities and Exchange Commission of
2011) for each company, we have a total of 2238 observations.
Pakistan (SECP). Insurance companies, banks and financial
As the data for dependent variable „Growth‟ was related to
institutions are not included in our sample as such institutions
sales growth based on previous year‟s change, the first year
are subject to some specific legal requirements.
2006 in our analysis had to be kept blank, thus resulting in a
Firm Growth is the dependent variable in this study. Due
total of 1867 values for the variable Growth.
to multidimensional nature of firm growth, many different
Table 2. Descriptive statistics
indicators can be used for its measurement. Previous studies
Variables Mean
Std. Deviation N
demonstrate that various parameters for firm growth have
Growth
0.35535 6.919558
1867
been used [52] [3]. Going through the literature, it is observed
Profitability 0.06873 3.735759
2238
that researchers have used different indicators for study of
Leverage 1.66973 52.465060
2238
growth. For instance, five different indicators used for the
Innovation
0.00836
0.045525
2238
study of growth were identified by Delmar (2006) [53]. These
indicators included sales (turnover or revenue), performance,
Liquidity 2.29906 23.168121
2238
employed workforce, assets growth and firm‟s share in the
Size
14.23598 2.577594
2238
market. It can be concluded from the work of Delmar et al.
Age
30.56300 14.996746
2238
(2003) [54] that sales growth could be taken as the most
The
missing
values
were
dealt
pair-wise.
Results show
popular choice of researchers as sales was used in 31% among
that
average
growth
of
the
companies
included
in
our sample
all the studies focused on growth phenomenon [53]. Hence,
is
35.5%.
Profitability
(ROE)
showed
an
average
of 6.8%.
this study also undertakes „Sales Growth‟ as the measure of
Leverage
is
1.67
indicating
that
an
average
company
in our
the dependent variable „Firm Growth‟. Independent variables
sample
has
1.6
times
owner‟s
equity
as
compared
to
liabilities.
used in this study are: Profitability, Leverage, Innovation,
We come to a very little average value 0.08% for innovation
Liquidity, Firm size, Firm age.
(intangible assets ratio to total assets). Liquidity (Current
Table 1. Variables Definition
Ratio) has a value of 2.299 which means that companies in
Variables
Definition
sample, on average, have almost 2 times more current assets to
Dependent
pay off their current liabilities. Average size of companies
Variable:
under study is 14.2 and average age is 30 years.
Growth
Sales growth (t1) =
Sales (t1) - Sales (t0)
Table 3. Hausman Test
Sales (t0)
Independent
Variables:
Profitability
ROE =
Leverage
Liabilities to Equity =
Innovation
Intangible assets ratio =
Liquidity
Current Ratio =
Size
Age
ln (Total assets)
Age since incorporation of business
Test Summary
Chi-Sq. Statistic Chi-Sq. d.f. Prob.
Cross-section random 20.351856
Net Profit
Shareholders‟ Equity
Total Liabilities
Shareholders‟ Equity
Intangible Assets
Total Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
The regression equation is defined as follows:
Growth = β0 + β1 Profitability + β2 Leverage + β3
Innovation + β4 Liquidity - β5 Size - β6 Age (1)
This study mainly focused about investigation of financial
determinants, firm size and age, and how these could have an
impact on the growth of firms in Pakistani context. To find
this relationship, we applied a fixed effect regression model on
panel data for the period 2006-2011 of 373 companies selected
from non financial sectors listed at KSE (Karachi Stock
Exchange). Schimke and Brenner (2011) [55] also had applied
a similar technique. 26 companies were excluded from our
sample due to unavailability of required data. In this study, it
is assumed that firm growth demonstrates the pattern of
Normal Distribution. Diagram given below shows the
histogram of Growth variable included in our analysis. It is
clear from the histogram the data under study is approximately
normally distributed.
Results and Discussions
The sample of this study consists of 373 listed companies
in various non-financial sectors and each company‟s
observations consist of six year (2006-2011). So we applied
fixed effect model for the analysis of panel data.
Table 2 shows the descriptive statistics results of our
model under study. Total sample consisted of 373 listed
6
0.0024
Above result of table 3 represents that the fixed effect is
preferable for estimating panel data under study because the
null hypothesis of Hausman test that there is no difference
between fixed effect and random effect models is rejected
against the alternative hypothesis that fixed effect model is
preferable because p-value is less than 5% level of
significance.
Table 4. Results of Fixed effect model
Variable
Coefficient Std.
Error
Innovation 1.234816 0.495429
0.005210 0.001179
Leverage
0.000483 0.000585
Liquidity
Profitability 0.101294 0.018220
0.006801 0.001625
Size
-0.008333 0.004566
Age
C
(Constant)
Overall
Prob.
0.485627
tStatistic
2.492419
4.418738
0.826374
5.559507
4.185327
1.825179
0.151742 3.200347
Prob. FRstatistics squared
0.0128 2.1527 0.3535
0.0000
0.4087
0.0000
0.0000
0.0682
0.0014
0.0000
By looking at table 4 above, we can see that Profitability
has a positive and significant impact on Growth (0.101). It
means that keeping other variables unchanged, Firm growth
will increase by 10% with one unit increase in profitability
(ROE). Leverage also has a significant positive relation with
Form Growth though this relationship is not very prominent
(0.005 or just 0.5%). However, results show that as leverage
increases, growth also shows an increase. Innovation shows a
significant and positive relationship (+123%) with Firm
Growth. It indicates that investment in intangible assets has a
remarkable effect of more than 100%, on average, on the
growth of firms.
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Ahmed Imran Hunjra et al./ Elixir Inter. Busi. Mgmt. 116 (2018) 50250-50256
According to our analysis, Liquidity (current ratio) has an
which is in conformity with most of the earlier empirical
almost unnoticeable positive effect (0.04%) on Firm Growth
findings.
on average. However, this effect is non-significant regarding
Conclusion
our sample of non-financial listed companies of Pakistan. Firm
This study analyzed the determinants of firm growth in
Size shows a significant, minute positive relationship with
the Pakistani context. The research was mainly focused on
Firm Growth. It means that size of the companies in Pakistani
financial ratios which measure profitability, leverage,
context does not have a major impact on growth of the
innovation and liquidity and how these ratios affect the firm
companies, though large companies seem to affect growth a
growth. We also analyzed the impact of firm size and firm age
little more than small and new firms. Firm Age also has quite
on growth. Data was collected from annual reports of
a little but negative impact (-0.008) on firm growth. Hence, we
companies in non-financial sector listed at Karachi Stock
can say that increase in age of firm shows a little decrease in
Exchange, from SBP publication „Financial Statements
its growth, i.e., firms becoming old show a decline in their
Analysis of Companies (Non-Financial) Listed at Karachi
struggle for growth, which means that new and young firms
Stock Exchange (2006-2011)‟ and data was also gathered
have better growth potential.
from Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
The value of R-squared is 0.35 and Durbin-Watson value
(SECP). For analysis of panel data, fixed effect model was
is 2.30 (well between 1.25 and 2.50). It means that our fixed
used. Results of our study show that major financial
effect model of panel data fulfills the overall model fit. Above
determinants do have a positive impact on the growth of the
results about the coefficients of estimators show that the
firms. Especially, profitability and Innovation have a
findings of this research mostly indicate an agreement with
remarkable positive effect on growth. A firm with a healthier
hypotheses formulated based on empirical literature. H1, H2
Return on Equity (ROE) is expected to grow at a
and H3 are proved to be correct, i.e., Profitability, Leverage
comparatively faster pace. Similarly, innovation (intangible
and Innovation have positive relationship with Firm Growth.
assets ratio) shows a remarkable positive relationship with
Hypothesis H4 does not show a reliable confirmation as the
growth. It means that investment in R&D, innovation, creative
effect of Liquidity on Firm Growth is though positive, yet is
and sophisticated processes and technological developments
non-significant. H5 about negative relation between Growth
brings a revolutionary break-through in the advancement of
and Firm size is rejected as the results of our analysis are
firms.
showing a significant positive relationship between Growth
Like other studies, this research also suffers from certain
and Firm size in Pakistan context. Firm age shows a negative
limitations. First, sample data was collected from 2006 to
impact on Firm Growth. Although it proves H6 in our study
2011 only for six years. With data comprising greater periods
about negative correlation between Growth and Firm age, yet
and a larger sample, the study would have shown even better
the results are non-significant, though quite near to level of
results. Second, the findings of this research are not based on a
significance.
broad population, since only listed companies in non-financial
The results of the present study are in line with the
sector were taken into account. The findings thus only apply to
previous studies like Haned & Colombelli (2011) [40]
non-financial sector and would have shown better results if
investigated the correlation between innovation and firm
listed companies in financial sector were also used, or if both
growth and found that firms with more innovative products
public and private limited companies were taken into
indicate more growth. Other researchers that came up with
consideration. Third, the analysis was carried out on the whole
similar findings are Roper (1997) [41], Geroski and Machin
sample. If separate analysis was done for small and large
(1992) [42] and Corsino (2008) [43]. In the response of
companies, for new and old firms and for different sectors of
leverage, Rahaman (2011) [36] found a positive and a
operation, we would have attained more detailed results and a
significant relation between leverage and firm growth. Huyn
comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of firm
and Petrunia (2010) [37] also found a significant positive
growth. Fourth, measures of firm growth other than sales
relationship between leverage and firm growth. The results of
growth could also be used based on the existing literature on
this work are validated by the above said studies. For the study
firm growth. Fifth, a comprehensive analysis could be
about liquidity, Gill & Mathur (2011) [51] showed that the
undertaken by adding more dependent variables in the study.
firms which were able to maintain higher levels of liquidity
The study of firm growth can prove a great advancement in
faced comparatively less stringent financial conditions, which
understanding the phenomenon of the growth potential of
as helpful in financing the growth alternatives at
enterprises. Study of firm growth from the perspective of its
comparatively lesser expenses. Regarding profitability, we see
various determinants will enhance our understanding of
that Glancey (1998) [11] pointed out a positive correlation
diversified effects that lead to a successful firm and hence, it
between profitability and growth. Our study also showed a
will be remarkably helpful in formulating the development
significant and positive linkage between profitability and
strategies for emerging economies. More determinants should
growth and thus, the results are consistent with preceding
be included in the analysis to broaden the vision about this
studies. Hall (1987) [21] showed that small firms tend to grow
growth concept. Use of sophisticated econometric techniques
faster than the large ones. Harhoff et al. (1998) [23] also found
is hereby strongly recommended for a profound and
evidence that small firms grow faster than large ones. Dunne
comprehensive understanding of the concept of firm growth
and Hughes (1994) [25] suggested that size matters for growth
and the impact of its various financial, institutional,
for small firms and the variance of growth rate decreases with
managerial, operational, and economic determinants.
size. However, the results of our study show that, for Pakistani
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