Strategic Thinking Capability and Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation: Links and Relations

Abstract

This paper examines the links and type of relations between strategic thinking capability and entrepreneurial attitude orientation. Entrepreneurial attitude orientation consists of innovation, personal control, self-esteem and achievement. Strategic thinking capability refers to the ability to use: reframing, reflecting, and system thinking. We start from the idea that strategic thinking capability largely influences entrepreneurial attitude orientation. The aim of the study is to show that by improving the strategic thinking process it is possible to improve the entrepreneurial attitude orientation and therefore improve the level of entrepreneurial activity in general. Assuming that strategic thinking capability depends not only on innate individual characteristics, but also on acquired knowledge and competencies, it seems that entrepreneurial orientation could be improved through an appropriate selection of education and training programs. The study sample comprised five important industries in the Republic of Croatia (n=286). The results demonstrate that strategic thinking capability explains 14% of the variances in entrepreneurial attitude orientation. The three strategic thinking capability dimensions were significantly related to attitudes regarding achievement and change and personal control. However, one dimension, system thinking, seems to explain the largest part of the variance. We concluded that strategic thinking capability and entrepreneurial attitude orientation are not just linked but rather interrelated in a variety of ways. This finding is important for the entrepreneurial development since attitudes appear to be responsive to education and training policies. Hence, an emphasis on improving strategic thinking capability could lead to stronger entrepreneurial attitude orientation.