{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.017208413001912046, 'fraction_numerical': 0.004780114722753346, 'mean_word_length': 5.423312883435583, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE IMPACT IN THE GROWTH OF FRANCHISING NETWORKS

This paper endeavored to identify how the competitive intelligence process influences the growth and performance of franchise networks. The research employed a qualitative method and the field work was done with 15 franchisors from different sectors of activity. Two data analysis techniques were utilized: discourse analysis and critical incident technique. As a result, five critical incidents were found, that is, five competitive intelligence processes which would lead to the growth of a franchise network. In addition, three direct effects on performance were discussed: 1) increase sales and revenues; 2) increase the number of franchise units; 3) boosts chances of survival and growth of the network in local and external markets. On the other hand, it was possible to notice the existence of a dissonance between the perception of the franchisors regarding the rigor and structure of competitive intelligence process in the multiple franchise networks in the market.