Critérios de sucesso na percepção de gestores de MPE de construção do semi árido nordestino

Despite of the importance of small business for Brazilian economy, a lack of studies in construction management literature about of this sized companies is observed. Thus, this paper aimed to analyze the perception about the success criteria of managers from Small Business of construction sector. To do so, was performed a study with managers of three construction companies from a semiarid region at northeast of Brazil. Through a qualitative and exploratory approach, 14 criteria to evaluate the organizational success were analyzed in depth comparing importance with use. It was observed that the perception of importance to each success criterion was higher than its uses. It was evidenced difficulties regarding the designers and the low importance attributed to environmental sustainability. Some similarities with medium and large business were also identified. We can conclude that the business are strictly focused on financial performance, while elementary aspects as health and safety are not achieve and reinforcing the connotation of social irresponsibility of the construction sector.