2011/712 Exploring strategy and strategic planning within Australian commercial fisher micro-businesses

By Eric Perez

The small business sector is a foundational element of national economic performance and the provision of employment to millions of workers globally. There is considerable research literature regarding strategy and strategic planning in the context of large, small and micro businesses. However, there is a paucity of research relating to Australian commercial fishing micro-businesses. This study is focussed on exploring the use of strategy and strategic planning at the micro-business level within the Australian commercial fishing industry.

The report begins by exploring the context in which commercial fishing micro-businesses operate, examining current market structures, industry participants, commercial fishing demographics, employment, regulation and the family business structures. The study then focusses on a detailed, multi-faceted literature review which examines strategy, strategic planning and strategic analysis tools.

Results suggest that the family business structure is the dominant business framework amongst participants. It was also found that regulation was a significant impediment to the operation of commercial fishing micro-businesses.