The Effect of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Innovation: A Case Study of Professional Sport Clubs

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to evaluate the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on innovation in professional sport clubs. In a regression analysis, this paper uses a descriptive correlational field method. The statistical sample population of this research includes the staff and employees from five selected sport clubs, namely: Esteghlal, Perspolis, Naaft-e-Tehran, Sepahan and ZobAhan of Isfahan. For data collection, a standard questionnaire with 65 items was used to evaluate eight competencies: strategic, conceptual, opportunity, relationship, learning, personal, ethical, familyism; and three dimensions of innovation in goods/services, the process and execution. The validity through the convergent validity (AVE=0.56 and 0.84 respectively) and the reliability (0.95 and α=0.93; 0.91 and CR=0.95 respectively) were confirmed and were randomly distributed among the statistical sample population. The Smart PLS 2 software and the structural equations modeling (SEM) techniques were used. The obtained results of this research indicate that the there is a positive and significant relationship between the entrepreneurial competencies and innovation (t=13/14 and T-value 1/96). Moreover, there is a positive and significant relationship between all the variables of competencies (i.e. strategic, conceptual, opportunity, relationship, learning, personal, ethical, and familyism) and innovation. The 77% innovative change as fostered by entrepreneurial competencies is indicative of a strong impact of the entrepreneurial competencies on innovation & performance of enterprises. Contribution of this paper is measuring these competencies on innovation of professional sport clubs.

The Mediating Effect of Innovation on Entrepreneurial Competencies and Business Success in Malaysian SMEs

“…The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and business success, entrepreneurial competencies and innovation and, innovation and business success. The results are consistent with studies done by Kazemi et al, (2016), Mugewa (2013), and Sa'ari et al, (2013. Moreover from this study proved that innovation acting as partial mediator between entrepreneurial competencies and business success.…”

“…Based on the concept of conceptual competency, it is clear that is essential to study and survey new ideas, take risks, and understand the business concept in order to foster innovation. A recent study in sport organisations in Iran revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables of competencies (strategic, relationship, conceptual, personal, opportunity, learning, ethical, and familism) and innovation (Kazemi et al, 2016). Results in that study also claimed that 77% innovative change as fostered by entrepreneurial competencies indicative of a strong impact of the entrepreneurial competencies on innovation and performance of enterprises.…”

“…Bougrain and Haudeville (2002) found that in the previous century, 60% of the innovations were in the SME sector, but many of them were not successful due to lack of professionalism and inability to collaborate with other enterprises. Kazemi et al, (2016) found a significant positive impact of entrepreneurial competencies on innovation.…”

“…A recent study by Kazemi, Rasekh, and Navid (2016) in Iran revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables of competencies (strategic, relationship, conceptual, personal, opportunity, learning, ethical, and familism) and innovation. Results in that study also claimed that 77% innovative change as fostered by entrepreneurial competencies indicative of a strong impact of the entrepreneurial competencies on innovation and performance of enterprises.…”

“…Rosenbusch et al (2011) urged that innovation has a positive effect on SME performance and business success. Innovation is useful as its benefits exceed the cost of the resources to implement it (Niera et al, 2009), and Kazemi et al (2016) found a significant positive impact between innovation and entrepreneurial competencies.…”