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To review empirical contributions to the small business growth literature since the mid‐1990s.

Narrative review of the literature using the framework adopted in previous reviews: management strategies; characteristics of the entrepreneur; environment/industry factors; and firm characteristics.

The absence of any unifying theory means that the literature continues to feature a wide range of growth measures and model specifications. As a result of this, knowledge development appears fragmented rather than cumulative. New theoretical perspectives are needed if we are to develop our understanding of the growth process in small businesses.

Alternative types of research are suggested that focus on small business growth as a process rather than an episode. Future research needs to adopt multiple measures of growth and, more importantly, be based on theory longitudinal in scope but idiosyncratic in its focus. Empirical work should seek to explain the periodicity of growth and the role that learning plays in the idiosyncratic development of small businesses.

The paper synthesizes the literature in an area that is critical in terms of the advice given to policy makers and business owners. It does so while building on the frameworks used in previous reviews and then identifying new research approaches that are needed to advance understanding of the small business growth process.

The paper aims to show that in the past decade New Zealand apple growers have experienced a number of significant changes within their industry. It would seem that these changes have encompassed virtually every aspect of their production and the environment within which they operate. Probably the most significant development for growers was the decision to deregulate the industry, an issue which has continued to be at the forefront of much discussion since its implementation in 2001.

This paper shows that accompanying these changes there has also been a steady decline in industry performance. With many growers now staring in the face of financial ruin, further insight as to how they are being affected by the changing market and how they can be assisted is required to return the New Zealand apple industry to its once prominent position. Thus this paper examines the effects of change on the New Zealand apple industry as perceived by a sample of orchardists from one of the country's most prominent growing regions.

The paper finds that it has become evident from this research that in the majority of cases, technological improvements have come to the benefit of growers. However, a number of environmental changes (including a world oversupply of fruit, a high foreign exchange rate, etc.) and a significant change in structure are identified by growers as having a significant contribution to the industry's current state of turmoil.

The paper finds that, as a result, respondents appear to be looking back at past sources of competitive advantage (including the development of new varieties, high quality standards, and a united view of the industry) as ways to recover from their current position.

Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.

One of the several claims that Seligman makes for Rooke is that he should be accorded priority in the discovery of the correct, that is Ricardian, doctrine of rent:there seems little doubt that the doctrine of rent was developed practically simultaneously by Malthus, West, Torrens and Rooke in 1814, but so far as the priority of actual publication is concerned, the above list should be reversed. And in the interests of historical accuracy, Rooke and Torrens must hereafter be accorded the position which they deserve. (Seligman, 1903, p. 512)¹

1. Law Books Published. Compiled and edited by Meira G. Pimsleur. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Glanville Publishers. Cumulative Volume 6, 1974. 421pp. pa. S67.50/yr. (quarterly) annual cumulation. 74–227609. This is an excellent bibliography of current legal materials. It is arranged in three parts: (I) Authors, Titles, Editors, Translators; (II) Subjects and Series; (III) Publishers and Distributors. Of special interest to reference librarians is the List of Subjects in contemporary terms relevant to present reading interests. The quality of the entries is comparable to the more generic Books in Print. Credentials of the compiler/editor are the best. Recommended for medium and large public libraries and for academic library systems which do not include a special law library. Most law libraries subscribe to this service.

Storytelling is traditionally associated with an oral tradition, dating back to the age of the hunter‐gatherer. Beginning with the etymology of the word, “story,” this article attempts to show how both written and oral storytelling evolved in relation to changing needs in society, from story telling among hunter‐gatherers to current forms of storytelling in today's organizational settings.

This article examines the various forms of storytelling, from its origins in prehistoric times to the post‐Industrial Age, with emphasis on the case study as storytelling in the Industrial Age and beyond.

The forms and applications of storytelling continually expand to meet the expanding needs of society throughout human history. Storytelling today, as in the past, can be useful as a tool for defining, securing and shaping people's existence in relation to both their culture and their universe. Storytelling is particularly valuable for ensuring one's survival in today's continually changing global environment.

Storytelling has always played a role in the evolution and survival of cultures. Today, as the world experiences rapid and continual change, it is more important than ever to identify and expand the forms and applications of storytelling to help people and organizations prepare for evolution and survival in an unfamiliar future.

This article expands the definition of storytelling, from Stonehenge to blogs, in the context of people's continual search for ways to define, secure and shape their existence in relation to both their culture and their universe. Currently, most societies across the globe are in a period of rapid transition and continual change. During this transition, it is vital to expand understanding of the evolving forms and applications of storytelling so that one can continue in the tradition of using stories to define, preserve and shape society.

Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.

The authors discuss the implications of the recent United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson and its impact on employees and employers. Although several employers issued public statements regarding the provision of abortion-related benefits, the authors highlight some of the obstacles to their implementation.

With a focus on employee wellbeing, the authors discuss the obstacles in implementing abortion care benefits.

While it is encouraging to see many organizations make public statements in support of abortion rights, the authors temper their enthusiam with questions about practicality.

Based on the research on hidden stigmas and the job demands-resources model, the authors argue that employees who need to use abortion-related benefits may be unlikely to seek them.

The authors highlight some unanswered questions relating to the requesting and granting of abortion healthcare benefits.

The Dobbs decision takes away rights. While the authors applaud organizations’ efforts to restore them, facilitating access to an abortion in other states is quite complicated.

Although abortions are very common, very little organizational research has addressed the topic. In light of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, the paper raises some timely questions about employer-sponsored abortion healthcare.