Business Scaling in Strategic Management of Firm Development

Abstract

Introduction. The term "scaling" has rapidly spread across management practice, consulting, and academic research, yet its conceptual boundaries remain insufficiently defined. The widespread use of scaling terminology has not been accompanied by a clear distinction from related concepts such as growth and efficiency, leading to simplified perceptions and suboptimal strategic decisions regarding enterprise development. Purpose. The article aims to reveal the managerial potential of business scaling through the systematisation of contemporary approaches to its essence, distinction from adjacent categories, and formation of diagnostic parameters for assessing firm scalability. Methods. The study employs theoretical generalisation and systematisation of scientific sources for analysing approaches to defining business scaling; comparative analysis for distinguishing scaling from growth and efficiency; structural-logical analysis for developing scalability assessment parameters; and graphical visualisation for presenting the results. Results. Key axes of divergence among existing definitions are identified: the subject of scaling, criteria for assessing results, and the nature of the category. A clear distinction between scaling, growth, and efficiency is established: growth is a necessary but insufficient condition for scaling, while efficiency may be its component but not its synonym. Scaling integrates both categories, adding structural transformation of the business model, technological and organisational architecture that enables non-linear growth. The author defines business scaling as a purposeful managerial process of achieving non-linear growth through business model, technological and organisational transformation aimed at strengthening competitiveness. Conclusion. The proposed approaches enable managers to avoid common strategic errors: conflating optimisation with scaling, pursuing premature expansion, and ignoring the systemic nature of scalability. Further research should address external factors affecting scaling capability, particularly competition policy and institutional conditions.