Training, corporate culture and organizational work models for the development of corporate entrepreneurship in SMEs

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of corporate entrepreneurship. To this end, the learning process of the individual in skills, competencies and agile methodologies is considered, as well as the influence of corporate culture, ways of working and organizational capabilities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study was performed by means of an email survey questionnaire, conducted on 241 SMEs in Madrid and Guadalajara (Spain). The hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The results yielded a positive and direct link between the organization and the training of business leaders in programs of skills and competencies, as well as between this training and corporate entrepreneurship processes carried out in the organization. However, there is an indirect relationship between organizational activity and processes of the organization and intrapreneurship activities. Research limitations/implications The research provides a practical contribution to the SME perspective and raises awareness of the importance of intrapreneurial activities for business development. Hence, it becomes relevant to focus on training plans that have a direct impact on the development of business innovations that lead to corporate entrepreneurship. Originality/value This research contributes to contextualize and enrich the literature on corporate entrepreneurship by addressing the gap related to corporate culture, innovation and skills, through a model that shows the relationship between the variables.