Orientação Empreendedora e o Desempenho das PMEs: O Papel das Redes de Negócios

Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) are important in enhancing the economy, driving innovation, and enhancing competitiveness. Consequently, they play a substantial role in enhancing the overall operational efficacy of enterprises. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Pakistani manufacturing sector. Additionally, the study sought to determine the mediating effect of innovation in the link between these orientations and SME performance. Data was collected from 381 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Pakistan using a self-administered questionnaire. Out of the total surveys collected, 360 met the criteria for conducting a detailed analysis. The study utilized a structured equation modelling technique by SMART PLS 4 to evaluate the influence of Market Orientation (MO), Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), and Innovation (INO) on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The findings of the study demonstrated a notable association between Market Orientation (MO), Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), and Firm Performance (FP), wherein innovation played a crucial intermediary function within this framework. The aforementioned findings highlight the significant significance of market orientation (MO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and innovation orientation (INO) in the attainment of success for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study serves as a significant reference for both scholars and practitioners who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the effects of market orientation (MO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and innovation orientation (INO) on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, this study makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the field, enhancing our comprehension of the topic.

Drawing on the Resource-Based View and the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, this study aims to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) performance. Additionally, it examines the mediating role of market orientation and learning orientation in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Finally, the study explores the sequential mediation effect of market orientation and learning orientation between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance to understand how the joint mobilization of these strategic resources transforms entrepreneurial actions into superior organizational performance. This study adopts a quantitative approach, using convenience-based non-probability sampling to collect data from 113 managers of Moroccan SMEs operating across various sectors. The collected data are analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that entrepreneurial orientation has a positive and significant direct effect on the performance of Moroccan SMEs. Furthermore, market orientation partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. However, the mediating effect of learning orientation was found to be non-significant in the link between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Finally, the study found the existence of a sequential mediation effect exerted by market orientation and learning orientation in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. This study is the first to explore the sequential mediating role exercised jointly and successively by market orientation and learning orientation in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Notably, the entrepreneurial orientation of SME in Morocco has not been previously studied, offering a valuable contribution to the literature on emerging economies, which remains underexplored in entrepreneurial orientation research. Lastly, a surprising result emerges compared to previous studies: learning orientation does not play a mediating role between entrepreneurial orientation and performance, thus challenging the universality of this mechanism and opening new avenues for research into contextual factors, particularly in SMEs of developing countries.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with mediating role of differentiation strategy in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework has been developed to base the hypotheses, as also to determine the exact approach in this study. To establish the influence of EO on the performance of SME, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire has been used to collect data from middle and senior managers who operate in SMEs in the manufacturing sectors. The sample illustrates 166 incumbents, comprising 68.07 per cent from middle management and 31.93 per cent from senior management operating in manufacturing sector of SMEs, by means of a stratified random sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Amos graphics software. Hypotheses were tested by using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.FindingsEO, as a whole, presents a significant positive effect on the performance of SMEs. Moreover, differentiation strategy partially mediated the relationship between EO and performance of SMEs. Two dimensions of EO, proactiveness and risk-taking propensity, strongly increased firm performance while innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, autonomy and competitive energy did not cause any significant change. The findings differ from the current view of western enterprises that innovativeness (INO) played a major role by increasing performance of SMEs. The results transpired that innovativeness (INO) tends to reduce performance of SMEs, but the p-value did not reach a high significance value.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this empirical study is comparatively a small size of the sample. The analysis of power suggests that a larger sample could have provided more reliable and extensive results. Regardless of that, the analysis of reliability, using the Cronbach's alpha, exhibited the consistency of outcomes in providing an accurate portrait of the EO influences on the performance of SME.Practical implicationsThe study verifies that two dimensions of EO have considerable effects on the performance of SMEs, while the others have not, whereas, the EO, as whole, has significant positive effect on performance of SMEs. These findings should be helpful for researchers looking for appropriate performance measures, and for entrepreneurs aiming at getting support for their decisions and evaluating their performance.Originality/valueThe current study appears to be first of its kind focusing on the link between EOs, as whole, and its dimensions, to performance of SMEs and differentiation strategies within the specific context of Pakistan.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), total quality management (TQM), and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance. It specifically examines whether innovation practices (IPs) mediate the EO, TQM, and SME performance relationships.Design/methodology/approach: A self-administered questionnaire was utilised to collect data from owners/managers of SMEs in Malaysia. The validity and reliability of the instrument were evaluated. Structural equation model utilised to analyse the relationships using PLS 3.3.9.Findings: Statistical outcomes displaying a significant direct effect of EO and IPs on SMEs’ performance, while TQM displayed an insignificant effect on SMEs’ performance. For mediation effect analysis, the indirect effect of EO and TQM on SMEs’ performance through IPs was significant.Research limitations/implications: A sample of manufacturing SMEs was investigated using a quantitative cross-sectional research design. Future research could use qualitative techniques or a longitudinal research design for further information analysis.Practical implications: The research findings provide insights into the owners/managers of SMEs in today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, with a focus on EO and TQM as driving factors to enhance their performance.Originality/value: The research extends the literature on EO and TQM with a comprehensive understanding from the standpoint of Malaysian SMEs.

This study gave an evaluation of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and cultural values on performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southwest Nigeria. Primary method of data collection was used. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire administered randomly on carefully selected sample of 400 owners, managers/supervisors of SMEs who have been in existence for a period of a minimum of five years and above through multi-stage sampling technique. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and cultural values on the performance of SMEs in southwest Nigeria. The result indicates that both entrepreneurial orientation and cultural values are strongly related with high level of relationship. This study concluded that managers need to leverage the dimensions of both entrepreneurial orientation such as innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking as well as the dimensions of cultural values such as individualism/collectivism, power distance, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance to achieve optimal business performance. Keywords: Entrepreneurial orientation, small and medium-sized enterprises, performance, dimensions. cultural values

Because small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to the health and vibrancy of economies, it is crucial for researchers to understand the factors that significantly underlie SME performance. Two of the most widely identified antecedents to SME performance are innovation and networking. However, despite widespread attention, the theoretical and empirical status of the relationships between innovation, networks and SME performance remain uncertain. Some researchers note that claims regarding a direct positive relationship between innovation and networks with performance fail to adequately account for the variables that mediate this relationship. In contrast, while much research has been undertaken into the performance benefits of innovation and networks, the exponential increase in the number of publications heralding the performance benefits of business model design and business model innovation received very scant empirical support, almost non-existent for SMEs. Business model design is seen as a powerful mechanism for unlocking and enhancing the value of business processes, including innovation. Empirical evidence presented in this thesis tangibly supports this assertion and thus creates a more solid foundation for future development of the business model view of the firm. The purpose of this thesis, comprising four studies, is to theorise and research the nature of the relationship between innovation breadth, networks and business model design with SME performance. The central research question of this thesis asks: How do innovation breadth, networks and business model design relate to SME performance? Study One systematically reviews a large sample of SME growth and performance literature to identify and interpret emergent concepts, themes, trends and gaps. Study One backgrounds the three empirical studies that that follow to argue, using Resource-Based Theory, that the resources required for developing competitive advantage are both physical and intangible; of the two, intangible resources have the greatest strategic potential. In other words, the thesis finds that SMEs lacking physical resources could develop more sustainable competitive advantage by relying more heavily on leveraging path dependent, socially complex, and causally ambiguous intangible resources. Social capital and technological competence, associated with networks and innovation, represent highly desired intangible resources. Business model design organises these resources to create value for the customer. Therefore, innovation across the elements of the business model when designing or reconfiguring the SME’s business model acts as dynamic capabilities that enhance SME performance. The systematic literature review is followed by three empirical studies that use longitudinal and cross-sectional datasets of Australian SMEs. Study Two introduces the concept of innovation breadth, as the number of distinct types of innovation that firms use, or their innovation diversity, and examines the linearity and temporality of its relationship with SME performance. This examination both confirms it to be positive and provides evidence of the diminishing and negative returns of innovation breadth. Such diminishing and negative returns are directly related to increased innovation breadth and the time lag between innovation implementation and performance measurement. Studies Three and Four examine the mediation effect of innovation breadth on the relationship between networks and SME performance (Study Three) as well as the mediation effect of business model design themes on the relationship between innovation breadth and SME performance (Study Four). The combined findings from the last three studies provide sound support that maintaining strong heterogeneous network ties will improve SME performance, but only when the social capital embedded in such network relationships supports innovation breadth. In addition, persistent implementation of moderate levels of innovation breadth would optimise SME performance, but the performance benefits of such innovations would only be unlocked if it is implemented within a coherent business model, designed around the novelty or transaction efficiency themes as primary value drivers. Collectively, the four empirical studies contribute to the SME innovation field by more precisely explaining the relationships between innovation breadth, networks, business model design and SME performance. This thesis therefore highlights and confirms the importance of intangible assets for SME performance and also accounts for the intermediate processes that translate these resources into SME performance by showing that innovation breadth and business model design act as dynamic capabilities. SMEs are advised to focus on building network relations that foster innovation breadth, to focus their innovation activities during any given year by limiting innovation diversity and to focus the design of their business models around either the novelty or efficiency value themes. Such knowledge offers guidance for SME managers who believe that all networking and innovation investments will improve their SME performance. Given the potential costs and risks of networking, innovation and business model design activities to SMEs, practitioners and policymakers are informed about the potential dangers of overextending limited resources and capabilities. A better understanding of how wide SMEs should cast their innovation net, how to construct optimal network structures, and how to design business models along dominant value themes may therefore greatly benefit theory, policy and practice.

Purpose – This study aims to contribute to the literature by addressing two research questions: is there a relationship between e-commerce adoption and performance of SMEs? And, more importantly, does the degree of entrepreneurial orientation moderate the relationship between e-commerce adoption and SME performance? Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from a sample of 55 manufacturing and service SMEs located in the state of Texas, USA, between 2008 and 2009 using a structured questionnaire. Customized questionnaires were mailed out to the owner-managers of 55 SMEs. A moderated regression analysis was conducted to test the two hypotheses. Findings – The results suggest that e-commerce adoption has a significant, positive influence on SMEs' average sales growth rate and that adopters of e-commerce technology have significantly higher average sales growth rate than non-adopters. The results also indicate that e-commerce adoption positively affects SMEs' annual sales growth rate even more when the sample firms have higher level of entrepreneurial orientation. Overall, the results of this analysis indicate the importance of e-commerce adoption as well as SMEs' entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of SMEs. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study can be useful for SMEs in general as a means of understanding how e-commerce adoption positively affects the firm's performance. Such a relationship suggests that e-commerce adoption is an important factor that can enhance firm's internal processes and ultimately performance. Therefore, e-commerce adopters should continue to utilize this technology while non-adopters should consider harnessing the potential of this technology to further streamline their operations and effectiveness. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of e-commerce adoption and entrepreneurial orientation in small firm performance.

Researchers, entrepreneurs, and governments all agree that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the world's economic development. This study sought to examine the effect of innovation on SMEs' competitiveness and performance in Cote d’Ivoire. Data for the study was obtained from 250 SMEs operating in Cote d’Ivoire through a structured questionnaire. The PLS-SEM was the main analytical tool used to analyse the research findings via SmartPLS 3 and SPSS 22. Findings from this study revealed that marketing innovation, product innovation, organisational and process innovations are the innovation dimensions that contribute to SMEs' performance and competitiveness in Cote d’Ivoire. Marketing innovation contributes more significantly to SMEs' performance; followed by product innovation; organizational innovation; and process innovation. Additionally, the study found a significant and positive relationship between competitive advantage and SMEs' performance. The study thus concluded that to remain competitive and profitable, SMEs operating in developing countries must embrace innovation and constantly seek ways to be innovative remain relevant in the industry.

Entrepreneurial marketing has become increasingly popular in the fields of entrepreneurship and marketing, as well as among organizations aiming to obtain a competitive edge. In practice, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, generally see entrepreneurial marketing as an appealing and efficient marketing strategy motivated by the desire to make the most of their unique strengths. These SMEs are involved in the sale of products and services. This study aimed to investigate the influence of entrepreneurial marketing on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. The sample size for the study was 400, determined using the Taro Yamane formula. The proxies for entrepreneurial marketing were considered jointly as customer orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and innovation orientation. The researchers adopted a survey research design. A structured questionnaire was designed to obtain data from 400 SME owners. We also adopted a simple random technique for this study. We tested the combined hypothesis using multiple regression analyses. The study revealed a significant influence of customer orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and innovation orientation on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. In conclusion, this study empirically provides evidence of the influence of entrepreneurial marketing on SME performance. SMEs can improve their performance by embracing the entrepreneurial marketing philosophy. Based on these conclusions and findings, the researchers recommended that SMEs in Akwa Ibom State improve their customer orientation to understand their customers better.

This research aims to study the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), knowledge management (KM), and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance and seeks to identify the moderation effect of organizational trust (OT) on these relationships. The study empirically examines the conceptual model using a sample of 210 SMEs, using a close-ended self-administered questionnaire. The result indicates a positive direct relationship between EO, KM, and performance. Moreover, OT moderates the relationship between EO, KM, and SME performance. This study has provided some empirical evidence for the importance EO practices (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking) and KM (knowledge sharing, acquisition, and application) to improve SMEs performance and create a competitive advantage (Abdelwahed & Alshaikhmubarak, 2023; Giampaoli et al., 2017). Furthermore, this study affords insights for SME owners/managers to support initiatives and innovation practices. Policymakers, on the other hand, should reinforce trust and facilitate access to sharing and implementing knowledge and creative ideas for the benefit of firms.

Purpose: This study investigates the role of commercial bank loans on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. It examines how commercial bank loans affect SME financial performance, providing a comprehensive understanding of how financial support from banks influences SME growth and sustainability. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a quantitative approach. It utilized cross-section data collected from a sample of 92 SMEs in Morogoro municipality. The collected data were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 25. This analysis aimed to evaluate loan accessibility, determinants of loan choice, and the effect of commercial bank loans on key financial metrics such as profitability, cash flow management, and business growth. Findings: The study reveals that although many SMEs perceive commercial bank loans as easily accessible, others encounter significant barriers, including high interest rates and stringent collateral requirements. The study also reveals that commercial bank loans have mixed effects on SME performance. While they positively impact revenue generation and asset growth, their effects on profitability and business expansion are inconsistent. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing nuanced insights into the role of commercial bank loans in SME performance within a Tanzanian context. It highlights the challenges SMEs face in accessing financial support and the varying impact of bank loans on their financial outcomes. The study findings are relevant for both policymakers and financial institutions aiming to improve loan accessibility and support SME development. Policy Implications: The study suggests several policy implications, including the need for banks to simplify loan application processes, offer more flexible loan products and address high interest rates that hinder SMEs access to finance. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between SMEs and financial institutions and leveraging financial advisory services to enhance loan utilization and overall business performance.

There is rising awareness regarding the need to incorporate the sustainability concept into business activities worldwide. However, there is rare research concerning implementing 3P's (people, planet, and profit) for Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), despite SMEs being business players contributing significantly to the Indonesian economy. This research study aims to fill the gap. Specifically, this research aims to analyze the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the sustainability performance of Indonesian SMEs. Furthermore, we evaluate the mediating role of knowledge integration capability and sustainability attitude on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME's sustainability performance. This study surveyed SMEs in Greater Jakarta to collect primary data, and interviewed SMEs who generated support from Indonesia's state-owned enterprises (SOE), such as Wijaya Karya, Jamkrindo, and the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs agency body. There were 123 respondents who took part in this research. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Lisrel 8.51 software was used to process the data. The findings suggested that entrepreneurial orientation improved knowledge integration capability, and that knowledge integration capability improved SME's sustainability performance. Meanwhile, we found that entrepreneurial orientation positively affects the SMEs' sustainability attitude, and that the sustainable attitude affects the SMEs' sustainability performance. However, there was insufficient evidence that entrepreneurial orientation directly impacted the sustainability performance of SMEs in Indonesia.

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a crucial multidimensional concept of entrepreneurship that encompasses the entrepreneur’s autonomy, attitude towards risk-taking, proactiveness, and competitiveness of entrepreneurs. EO influences the manner in which entrepreneurs perceive and react to their business environment. The majority of research on EO has been conducted in developed countries such as the USA, where institutional development is well established. There is a scarcity of studies focusing on emerging economies. In order to bridge this gap, the current study aims to investigate the construct and application of EO in Pakistan. The study focuses on Pakistan’s electric fan manufacturing industry to gain insight into the implementation of EO and its impact on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. In addition, the study aims to provide evidence-based knowledge regarding the causal relationship between EO and SME performance in Pakistan, as well as the impact of moderating variables, through hierarchical regression analysis and an analysis of a sample of 247 SMEs. The study provides solid evidence that Pakistan's electric fan manufacturing industry demonstrates all five dimensions of EO, as outlined in the existing literature. Furthermore, the study highlights the influence of age, education, and experience as moderating variables in the relationship between EO dimensions and the performance of SMEs in Pakistan.

"Research Aims: The study aims to examine the influence of financial literacy on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: The data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to 200 SME managers/owners. Multiple regression analysis was applied to test the influence of financial literacy on SMEs performance by controlling manager profile and SME-specific characteristics. Research Findings: Multiple regression results prove that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on SMEs' performance. Managers/owners with financial literacy skills understand business-related financial concepts, including debt, savings, takaful, insurance, and investment, which ensure the good performance of their business. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Similar research has been conducted outside Malaysia. However, there is a need to validate the financial literacy and SME performance relationship in the Malaysian environment due to differences in culture; ways of thinking; and legal, business, and political situations. These differences lead to different responses which then contribute to the way the effect of financial literacy on SME performance is explained. In addition, this study improves the consistency of the existing evidence on SME performance and expands the scope of the Resource-Based View (RBV) from the perspective of SMEs Research limitation & implications: Government agencies such as SME Corporation recognise the importance of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Therefore, proactive efforts need to be accelerated to provide an adequate level of financial literacy among entrepreneurs. Furthermore, entrepreneurial finance can be introduced in formal and non-formal education to ensure that every layer of society enjoys the benefits regardless of their economic status."

PurposeThe study aims to establish and conceptualise entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as a key construct that positively influences small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance. In this paper, a conceptual framework was developed, and three research propositions were outlined: EO (innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking) positively influences SME performance; the economic stimulus packages moderate EO and the differentiation strategy; and the differentiation strategy mediates EO and SME performance. Each of the constructs was defined, and the conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia were identified.Design/methodology/approachThe paper suggests links between EO and SME performance and the effects of economic stimulus packages and differentiation strategies on Malaysia’s service and manufacturing industry. These concepts lead to the development of propositions based on prior empirical studies underpinning the resource-based view theory and contingency approach. The propositions aim to develop further findings and test the hypotheses.FindingsThe study proposes three research propositions to conceptualise the relationship between the four main constructs. The study also recommends an empirical approach to conduct and test the research model concerning Malaysia’s service and manufacturing industry.Originality/valueWhile studies on EO and SME performance have been conducted extensively, studies on the impact of various economic stimulus packages by the Malaysian government on the existing EO and SME performance relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited. Separately, this study uses a configuration approach to test the mediator and moderator during the COVID-19 pandemic.