An Exploration of Financial Management Practices in MSMEs: A Qualitative Study of Financial Decision-Making in Tianjin Province
Keywords:
Financial Management Practices, Financial Decision-Making, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Qualitative Case Study, Digital Financial AdoptionAbstract
This study explores financial management practices and financial decision-making processes among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tianjin Province. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research aims to understand how MSME owners manage financial resources and make strategic financial decisions within their business context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and document analysis involving ten MSME owners and financial managers from various sectors. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes, including informal financial planning, simple financial recording practices, reliance on personal or informal financing sources, adaptive risk management strategies, and increasing adoption of digital financial tools. These findings highlight that MSME financial decision-making is strongly shaped by experiential learning and contextual business conditions rather than formal financial models. The study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial financial behavior and suggests that financial literacy programs and digital financial support systems are essential to strengthen MSME sustainability. Future research may employ comparative or mixed-method approaches to further examine MSME financial management across different regions.
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