Explaining and validating the model of small and medium enterprises in the poultry industry using a mixed approach

This study aimed to explain and validate the poultry industry's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) model in two consecutive qualitative-quantitative phases. In the former, the relevant studies were reviewed and evaluated, and then the necessary data was acquired through in-depth interviews conducted with CEOs and board members of Iranian poultry unions; finally, using grounded theory, data was coded and categorized, and a conceptual model was presented. In the latter, by structural equation modeling (SEM), the data collected from the researcher-made questionnaire was evaluated using Smart PLS. After reviewing and evaluating studies using exploratory and semi-structured interview tools, qualitative questions were asked from the statistical community of experts. After 12 interviews, theoretical saturation was obtained. The results of grounded theory showed that the model of SMEs in the poultry industry includes 47 open codes, 19 axial codes, and six optional codes. Then, in the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 47 items was given to 217 managers of poultry unions and companies. The results of SEM showed that the t-significance coefficient correlates to the relationship between the main variables of causal conditions and the axial phenomenon; underlying conditions, interventional conditions, and axial phenomena with strategies; strategies with consequences at the confidence level of 95% are more significant than 1.96. This indicates the significance of the effect of causal variables with the axial phenomenon; underlying conditions, interventional conditions, axial phenomena with strategies; and strategies with consequences. Therefore, all six variables were identified as the main variables.