Small Firms (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Economics)
Revision Note
Written by: Steve Vorster
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Reasons Why Small Firms Exist
In 2015, 98.7% of firms in the European Union were considered to be small firms with less than 49 employees
Some firms start small and will grow into large companies or even multi-national corporations (Amazon started in a garage)
While many firms grow, others do not or they intentionally choose to remain small
Reasons Why Small Firms Exist
Personalised service | Loans | Niche Market |
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Mass markets | Diseconomies of scale | The firms' objective |
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Firms
Small Firms Experience Both Advantages and Disadvantages When Compared With Large Firms
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Students are often examined in the Paper 2 structured questions on the reasons for differences in the size of firms. The question often takes the form of 'Analyse the main reasons for differences in the size of firms.'
While this sub-topic explains the reasons for the existence of small firms, large firms are usually driven by the profit maximisation objective which results in them exploring every opportunity available for growth. How firms grow, is covered in the next sub-topic and elements of that page can be included in answering this question.
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