Entrepreneurial orientation and performance analysis at the private healthcare sector

Abstract

The unavailability of resources has often been stated as one of the main limitations for SMEs’ growth in developing countries. The aim of this study is to address how the position of limited resources impacts the relationship between the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in developing countries and their business performances. For this purpose, a conceptual framework has been created, delivering six theoretical propositions aiming to test the impact of limited resources on SMEs’ courage for exploring new opportunities and taking risks, promoting innovation, act proactively on the market, and set autonomy and competitive aggressiveness as standards in their operations. Derived propositions have been elaborated by applying a multiple-case research strategy. Six companies from the private healthcare sector in North Macedonia have participated in the research and contributed to the same with a valuable set of data. Study results have indicated relatively low threats from the limited resources to the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions and the business's success correspondingly. Businesses have mainly been financed through their own resources and bank loans, and in some cases through grants as a result of collaboration with innovative and other SMEs supporting funds. Nevertheless, despite the unenthusiastic level of available resources, entrepreneurs have shown courage to take risks, initiate innovation and act proactively in the private healthcare market.