Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Performance of Small Enterprises

Abstract

Several studies have revealed the importance of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) concept in improving firm performance since its inception. However, because of the complications that small businesses face, there are still concerns about whether EO can improve their performance. This study investigated the effect of EO on the performance of small enterprises in Abuja, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to specifically assess the effect of the dimensions of EO viz. autonomy, innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking on the business performance of small enterprises in Abuja. The study made use of a survey research design to target a population of 2750 small enterprises in Abuja. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 349 was obtained. Of the questionnaires randomly issued to the small enterprises, 338 were completed and returned representing a 96.84% response rate. The questionnaires contained closed-ended questions that were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Arising from the result, the regression model was significant at 0.000 with the calculated value greater than the critical value (16.910>2.399), hence, the null hypothesis was rejected. It was concluded that, overall, EO has a significant effect on business performance. However, of the dimensions tested, autonomy is insignificant, while innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking are significant. The study recommends that entrepreneurial development initiative that aims at building the EO dimensions of small enterprises should focus on innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking, rather than autonomy.