Entrepreneurial orientation in small firms – values-attitudes-behavior approach

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and also apply the values-attitudes-behavior framework in the context of entrepreneurial behavior. Design/methodology/approach -A quantitative approach is used to test the hypothesis. The paper employs empirical survey data and partial least squares path modeling in the analyses. Findings -The analyses reveal that owner-manager's intrinsic work values are strongest drivers of innovative and proactive behaviors, but also other work values are related to EO. Furthermore, growth-oriented attitude is positively related to innovativeness and proactiveness, while more survival-oriented managers exhibit less risk-taking behavior.Research limitations/implications -In this exploratory study the authors did not control for sector differences. Yet, as sector characteristics may influence the drivers of EO behavior. Practical implications -The paper provides implications for policy makers and practitioners. Entrepreneurial activities and start-ups play a crucial role in many countries as they are vital for economic growths and the countries' well-being. Given this importance any effective public policy intended to promote new firm creation or entrepreneurial growth of existing small businesses will have to recognize the heterogeneity of entrepreneurs and identify the potential or existing entrepreneurs who are likely to be affected by such policies. Originality/value -The paper is one of the first works linking the entrepreneur's work values and attitudes to EO.

Motivation of the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina to start a business: Examining aspects of education and social and political engagement

“…The craftsman is described by low social engagement, as well as a desire for autonomy, and not financial or status achievements when starting a business. At the other side, an opportunist entrepreneur has a greater desire for profit and growth, and a future-oriented orientation (Soininen et al, 2013). This typology implies that the dimension of social awareness and social engagement is important in determining the personality of the entrepreneur.…”

“…However, taking into account the various activities of social engagement that determine the differences in the personality of an individual, it is possible to expect different effects on the EI. Some studies suggested that extrinsic and social work values may be negatively associated with entrepreneurially oriented behavior (Soininen et al, 2013).…”

Adding the entrepreneurial orientation among the theoretical perspectives to analyse the development of research-based spin-offs

“…The cross-cultural differences of EO were also investigated (Thomas and Mueller, 2000; Wolff et al, 2015); the study discovered that for some cultures EO is considered a positive catalyst for business growth, whereas other cultures have a negative EO perception. Referring to the positive effects, the EO was considered a creative destruction (Schumpeter, 1934) connected to an entrepreneurial posture (Covin and Slevin, 1990; Sakari Soininen et al, 2013; Stewart et al, 2016) and entrepreneurial style (Naman and Slevin, 1993). EO was recognized as a catalyst of an entrepreneurial team formation (Clarysse and Moray, 2004) and identified as a driver for spin-off performance (Clarysse and Moray, 2004; O’Shea et al, 2005; Vohora et al, 2004; Walter et al, 2006).…”

Public narratives of female entrepreneurship: fairy tale or fact?

“…Entrepreneurial behaviours are commonly understood as being driven by a relatively narrow, but essential, set of traits, for example, high tolerance for, and engagement with, risk; a strong desire for personal autonomy; a vision for opportunity seeking; and the capacity to innovate (Soininen et al 2013). In turn, there are associated benchmarks for what constitutes 'success', for example, high growth; profit as motivator; business on a global scale; and multiple business ownership (Gorgievski et al 2011).…”