The Influence of Employee Self-efficacy, Outcome Expectation and Firm Resources on Intrapreneurial Behaviour: Insight from Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of employee perceived selfefficacy on intrapreneurial behaviour among Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs). We surveyed 234 employees from SMEs in the fresh fruit juice processing industry in Ghana using a structured questionnaire to obtain data. A statistical data analysis was performed. Our findings show that employees’ perceived self-efficacy relates positively to their intrapreneurial behaviour. However, we observed also that self-efficacy was not a sufficient condition for intrapreneurial behaviour to occur. Firm characteristics play a crucial role in the practice of such behaviour. That is, while employees’ self-efficacy is a principal determinant of employees’ intrapreneurial behaviour, the strength of self-efficacy is enhanced by firm resource. These results have policy implications for the promotion of SMEs in Ghana and similar contexts. The study contributes to knowledge on intrapreneurship in SMEs by pointing out that individual characteristics are not always linear in relation to intrapreneurship. Other factors that enhance these characteristics need to be taken account of. We provide recommendations for policy makers and researchers. (JEL H32, J20, O15)