Factors affecting the performance of Indonesian special food SMEs in entrepreneurial orientation in East Java

Purpose This study aims to examine comprehensively the factors determining the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing Indonesian special food in East Java. Design/methodology/approach This study is quantitative and qualitative. Primary data was collected from entrepreneurs in East Java, those producing Indonesian special food. Secondary data was obtained from the literature, literature study, journals, Central Bureau of Statistics and the office of industry, trade, cooperatives and SMEs in East Java. Areas selected for this study were Surabaya, Madiun, Malang, Pasuruan, Lamongan and Banyuwangi. The population was small and medium entrepreneurs producing Indonesian special food in the selected cities. Based on the PLS sampling rule, the number of samples in each research area was 50, with total of 300 respondents (50 × 6). The methods of collecting primary data were interviews and questionnaire. Data analysis was done using GSCA. Findings The study firstly found the significant influence of entrepreneurial orientation on business strategies of SMEs producing Indonesian special food in East Java. SME managers have a high entrepreneurial orientation. Secondly, it found a significant influence of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance of SMEs producing Indonesian special food in East Java. Thirdly, the study found that government policy is not a moderating variable. Additionally, business strategies have a significant influence on the performance of SMEs producing Indonesian special food in East Java. Finally, dynamics of the environment and business strategy have a significant influence on the performance of manufacturing industry in South Sulawesi. Originality/value To know the effect of entrepreneurial orientation, environmental dynamism, consisting of uncertainty of environment and intensity of competition, and business strategies toward business performance. Considering the findings of the previous studies, the authors would like to re-examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance, which also compares the findings of previous studies, especially, the one by Lee and Tsang (2003) on SMEs in Singapore.