Abstract
This study examined the differences in the strategic choices of business owners and professional managers in the small-business context. Hypotheses posited that owners and managers would choose differing strategic orientations based upon their concern for long-term organizational success versus short-term profits. In addition, the role of education in strategic orientation for these two groups was examined. The results of this study support the contention that organizational position (owners versus managers) can impact the relationship between strategic choice and firm performance. However, we did not find a significant relationship between the educational level of the business owners or managers and strategy and performance. These findings provide insight into the strategies used by small businesses, as well as the strategic orientation differences between owner-operators and professional managers hired to run small businesses