AN INVESTIGATION INTO STRATEGIES USED BY IRAQI SMEs TO SURVIVE IN THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT: THE CASE OF AL-KHALEEJ COMPANY

This research identifies the strategies used by SMEs to survive in the hostile business environment of Iraq specifically in Basra city. The study follows an exploratory approach in order to explore the firm survivals' strategies in such an environment. A case study conducted on one of the most successful entrepreneur in the field of water industry in Basra city. The findings of the study show that five strategies are used by the founder to keep his firm alive. Those strategies are; sale on credit (buy now and pay later), groundwater to produce fresh water for low cost, great care for wholesale and retail dealers and good quality products, technology investment for cost cut down and social network and family support.