A Study of the Influence of Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Business Performance of Auto Artisans Firms within Lagos State Metropolis in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance of small scale auto artisans within Lagos state metropolis. Descriptive survey research design was adopted using quantitative research approach. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents selected through multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to present a snap view of the data collected, while correlation, regression analysis and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses. Results of the analysis established that all the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions (innovativeness, risk taking, proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy) are significantly related to one another and business performance. Also all the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions individually and jointly significantly predicted and influenced business performance. Findings of the study also revealed that the degree of entrepreneurial orientation is related to the year/period the business has been in operation. The study concluded that the competitive nature of contemporary business environment, require that firms are highly entrepreneurial-oriented to succeed. The study recommended that small scale entrepreneurs should develop capability that will foster entrepreneurial orientation so as to build a formidable learning and adaptive organization. Key words: Innovativeness; Risk taking; Proactiveness; Competitive aggressiveness; Autonomy; Small scale artisans; Business performance.