Patrick Amfo Anim, Emmanuel Arthur, George Kofi Amoako
{"title":"Entrepreneurial orientation, social media and SME performance: an emerging economy perspective","authors":"Patrick Amfo Anim, Emmanuel Arthur, George Kofi Amoako","doi":"10.1108/apjba-12-2022-0514","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\n<p> This study examines the role of social media adoption (SMA), opportunity recognition (OR) and opportunity exploitation (OE) in mediating the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and the performance of newly established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, with a particular emphasis on Ghana.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\n<p> This study adopts a post-positivist philosophical stance and uses a quantitative approach and a survey design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 336 SME owners and managers from Ghana’s manufacturing, trading and service sectors. Questionnaires were administered to source the empirical data for this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the proposed hypotheses.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Findings</h3>\n<p> The results reveal that EO positively and significantly influences the performance of new-born SMEs. SMA, OR and OE partially mediated this relationship.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Practical implications</h3>\n<p> This study is a wakeup call to policymakers, practitioners, managers and owners of recently established businesses. Policymakers should provide support and resources for newly established SMEs to adopt effective social media marketing strategies, bolstering their online presence and customer engagement. Simultaneously, they should invest in entrepreneurship education and create an environment conducive to innovation to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among fresh SMEs. Business owners and managers should proactively monitor market trends and consumer preferences, adapting their strategies to identifying and seizing emerging opportunities.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Originality/value</h3>\n<p> This study introduces a significant novelty to previous literature and one of the first to employ the dynamic capability theory to examine the interplay between EO, SMA, OR and OE in influencing the performance of new SMEs in the context of emerging markets. Furthermore, it extends the scope of understanding of the mechanisms through which SMEs can prosper in these dynamic environments. This unique combination of theoretical framework, comprehensive variables and contextual focus sets this study apart from existing research, enriching the literature on SME performance in emerging markets.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":45401,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3000,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/apjba-12-2022-0514","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the role of social media adoption (SMA), opportunity recognition (OR) and opportunity exploitation (OE) in mediating the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and the performance of newly established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, with a particular emphasis on Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a post-positivist philosophical stance and uses a quantitative approach and a survey design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 336 SME owners and managers from Ghana’s manufacturing, trading and service sectors. Questionnaires were administered to source the empirical data for this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results reveal that EO positively and significantly influences the performance of new-born SMEs. SMA, OR and OE partially mediated this relationship.
Practical implications
This study is a wakeup call to policymakers, practitioners, managers and owners of recently established businesses. Policymakers should provide support and resources for newly established SMEs to adopt effective social media marketing strategies, bolstering their online presence and customer engagement. Simultaneously, they should invest in entrepreneurship education and create an environment conducive to innovation to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among fresh SMEs. Business owners and managers should proactively monitor market trends and consumer preferences, adapting their strategies to identifying and seizing emerging opportunities.
Originality/value
This study introduces a significant novelty to previous literature and one of the first to employ the dynamic capability theory to examine the interplay between EO, SMA, OR and OE in influencing the performance of new SMEs in the context of emerging markets. Furthermore, it extends the scope of understanding of the mechanisms through which SMEs can prosper in these dynamic environments. This unique combination of theoretical framework, comprehensive variables and contextual focus sets this study apart from existing research, enriching the literature on SME performance in emerging markets.
期刊介绍:
The Asia Pacific Journal of Business Administration (APJBA) publishes original research on: Business Strategy and Policy, Accounting and Board Governance, Marketing and People Management, and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The journal welcomes practical and skill-based submissions in these areas. There is particular interest in submissions regarding: Sustainable Business Practices, Quality Management Practices, Innovation and Creativity in Management, as well as Managing a Learning Organisation. The Asia Pacific region is full of collaborations between government, NGOs and private enterprise. Submissions are welcome which contribute to our understanding of partnerships and the cross-cultural issues. Research methods vary, and the journal is interested in the full diverse of qualitative (case and action research, etc) as well as quantitative survey studies and their recommendations. The APJBA seeks to become a forum for both established scholars and early career researchers in all aspects of management and business in the Asia-Pacific region. Emphasis is on rigour and relevance, on theory and practice, in a globalised scholarly environment.