Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) Among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as the engine of economic growth in all economies of the world including developed and developing countries. This study explores the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in Côte d'Ivoire. Data for the study was obtained using survey questionnaire obtained from 150 SMEs in various sectors in Côte d'Ivoire. The data was anaylsed using structural equation model (SEM) with the help of SmartPls vs 3.2.7 for PC. Findings from the study indicate that proactiveness and risk taking influence entrepreneurial orientation positively. Additionally, findings from this study revealed a strong and positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Based on the research findings, the research concluded that SMEs in Côte d'Ivoire are entrepreneurial but lack innovation. The study recommended that SME firms in Côte d'Ivoire should pay attention to the innovativeness dimension of entrepreneurial orientation as a way of differentiation strategy to achieve sustained competitive advantage as well as profitability and growth. This paper adds to the literature on entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance among small and medium enterprises from a developing country perspective.