Abstract
This research presents an explorative comparative case study of 21 cases in the Belgian furniture design industry with regard to achievement of success. The study looks into both objective and subjective measures of success, namely business growth and high perceived success. The set-theoretic analysis of these data yields two major conclusions. Firstly, no business growth and low perceived success are both accomplished for `part-time' designers with a clear product focus on furniture and low values for conservation. Secondly, part-time designers show low perceived success and low business growth. These findings enhance configurational understanding of the furniture design industry and show that entrepreneurs require individual support and advice. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.