Internet-Based Entrepreneurial Ventures: An Empirical Investigation of Startup Business Strategies on Firm Performance from the MENA region

Abstract

This study examines the possible impact of Generic Competitive Strategies, Cost Leadership, Differentiation, and Focus, on the financial and non-financial Performance of Internet-based entrepreneurial ventures in the MENA region. Descriptive analytical methodology and exploratory research design, consisting of qualitative then quantitative approaches, were utilized. After qualitative semi-structured interviews, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire was sent to Internet-based entrepreneurial ventures. SPSS was used to describe and analyse the data of 201 filtered and screened questionnaires. The results indicate that all of the examined generic competitive strategies have positive direct impacts on the performance of Internet-based entrepreneurial ventures. Differentiation strategies have the highest impact on the performance of Internet entrepreneurial ventures in MENA region, followed by Cost Leadership, then Focus strategies. This paper concludes with a discussion of the managerial implications of these findings, future research recommendations, and limitations of the study.