Entrepreneurial mindset of information and communication technology firms

M J Scheepers

doi:10.4102/sajim.v10i4.328

Abstract

Limited research focuses on the entrepreneurial mindset of information and communication technology (ICT) firms, despite the opportunities in and importance of this sector for economic growth. In this article, the entrepreneurial mindset of ICT firms is described by using three indicators: entrepreneurial orientation, e-business initiatives and a supportive organizational climate. Data were obtained using structured telephone interviews with 144 ICT firms. The findings indicate that the three indicators of an entrepreneurial mindset are associated and can be linked to performance. It is recommended that managers create a supportive climate for entrepreneurship by offering rewards, empowering employees and providing leadership and support for initiatives.

Highlights

Innovation has become a primary differentiator of organizational competitiveness, rendering it a source of sustained long-term prosperity (Drucker 2007:3)
4 Findings The findings presented firstly describe the sample; secondly present descriptive statistics of entrepreneurial mindset and its indicator dimensions and, thirdly, examine the relationships between these dimensions to provide an overview of the entrepreneurial mindset of firms. 4.1 Sample profile The sample of firms that participated in the study consisted of 144 information and communication technology (ICT) firms, operating in South Africa
The entrepreneurial mindset of ICT firms was assessed by looking at three indicators: Entrepreneurial orientation (EO), ebusiness initiatives and the organizational climate within firms

Summary

Introduction

Innovation has become a primary differentiator of organizational competitiveness, rendering it a source of sustained long-term prosperity (Drucker 2007:3). The potential of entrepreneurial strategies to create innovations, economic growth and wealth has been emphasized in recent years, especially for firms operating in turbulent environments such as the information and communication technology (ICT) industry (Antoncic and Hisrich 2001, Dutta and Mia 2007; Mbeki 2002; NRF 2004; Zahra and Bogner 1999). Research has focused on the individual, the firm, and the public enterprise in terms of the entrepreneurial process as well as the benefits of entrepreneurship and innovation for the economies of countries (Birch 1987; Morris, Kuratko and Covin 2008; Pinchot 1999; Zahra 1991, 1993). The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor studies (Minniti, Bygrave and Autio 2005; Scheepers 2005) have indicated that many South African firms are not innovative and fail to use new technologies to satisfy the changing needs of their consumers

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Conclusion