Date

11-11-2026

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)

Chair

Shelly A. Taylor

Keywords

Policy Interventions, Qualitative Study, Small Businesses, Timely Payments, Thematic Analysis

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Abstract

Small Information Technology (IT) businesses in Fairfax County, Virginia, are vital to the economy. Still, they face a substantial challenge in collecting delinquent compensation from government agencies. Late payments cause financial instability, decreased revenue, and difficulty accessing credit, leading to missed opportunities for investment and innovation. Prompt payment is essential for SITB to maintain its competitive edge, support innovation, and make a meaningful contribution to the economy. This qualitative study will employ snowball and purposive sampling to gain access to hard-to-reach or hidden populations, including SITB owners in Fairfax County, and to assemble data through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The researcher will conduct a thematic investigation, transcribing interviews and notes, and then examine the transcripts accurately. The significance of this research is both theoretical and practical. It will further the literature on small business management by providing a refined understanding of small businesses' (SBs) specific experiences in obtaining on-time payments from government organizations. Additionally, the study's findings recommend policy interventions to report late payments to SBs, emphasizing the requirement for timely payment actions to be executed at all echelons of government. The research results will provide practical strategies to address this issue, which is crucial for SB's financial strength and expansion in the information industry.

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