Canadian Organizational Behaviour in SMEs

Abstract

The present study delves into the behavioural patterns that characterize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ottawa, Ontario. Utilizing a qualitative research design, insights were obtained from 62 comprehensive interviews with business owners, supervisors, and employees across multiple industries, including education, healthcare, retail, technology, and hospitality. The investigation highlights essential elements of workplace behaviour such as participative management, openness in dialogue, multicultural integration, and employee well-being that collectively shape interpersonal dynamics and organizational climate. Through the application of thematic analysis, the research demonstrates how Canada’s pluralistic ethos and inclusive societal norms inform leadership styles, cooperation, and overall workforce engagement. The findings enrich existing discussions on organizational behaviour within the Canadian SME context and propose meaningful recommendations for leaders, human resource professionals, and policymakers focused on cultivating constructive and adaptive organizational environments.