The functional role of entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial bricolage in ensuring sustainable entrepreneurship

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study is to delve the influencing factors of sustainable entrepreneurship among SMEs in Malaysia. The heightened awareness in sustainable development coupled with globalisation has created immense aspiration, enthusiasm and interest in the trajectory of sustainable entrepreneurship. With this set of circumstances, the objective of the study is to explore the possible predictive factors that enhance sustainable entrepreneurship among Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study examined the relationships between sustainable entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, sustainability orientation and entrepreneurial bricolage through the lens of a resource-based view, upper echelons theory and corporate social responsibility. A total of 102 responses from a survey instrument from Malaysian SMEs were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling. Findings The results indicated that the entrepreneurial orientation is associated with the degree of sustainable entrepreneurship, and is mediated by the role and degree of entrepreneurial bricolage. Originality/value This study highlights the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship among SMEs with respect to the heightened societal and environmental awareness among consumers and international regulation concerning environmental protection.

Entrepreneurial Leadership and Sustainable Performance of Manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia: The Contingent Role of Entrepreneurial Bricolage

“…Bricolage is a crucial pathway to innovativeness when nascent organizations engage in bricolage rather than using resource constraints as an excuse to give up [62]. When SMEs are innovative, risk-taking, and proactive, they will be able to adapt or improvise using their existing and available resources to create solutions that achieve TBL [17].…”

“…Previous research had revealed significant and insignificant effects of entrepreneurial bricolage on entrepreneurship. Hooi et al [17] revealed that EB mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable entrepreneurship; however, it does not mediate the relationship between sustainability orientation and sustainable entrepreneurship. Halim et al, [63] discovered that factors underpinning business uncertainty (such as globalization and climate change) have a positive relationship with EB.…”

“…Moreover, EB has been examined as a mediating variable [17,52], independent variable [23,62], and dependent variable [63]. Therefore, the present research intends to explore EB as a contingent variable between EL and sustainable performance based on its economic, environmental, and social aspects.…”

“…This finding is also consistent with [63], who found that EB is insignificant in a hostile environment where the competition is stiff, harsh, and overwhelming, while there is a lack of exploitable resources and opportunities. Furthermore, [17,87] highlighted that organizational efficiencies and green images are critically dependent upon the role of CEOs. This is due to the self-confidence and unique capability of ELs in moving their dedicated followers to execute a sustainability vision [30] and endorsing new strategic directions to solve complex environmental problems [34] that have nothing to do with EB.…”

“…The conceptual framework proposed in this research can be used as a guide to help manufacturing SME owners to understand the impacts of EL on ECSPF, ENSPF, and SOSPF, as well as the contingent role of EB. Previous literature discovered that SME owners considered sustainable practices to be attractive and they had positive attitude towards them [17]. By using this model, SME owners should act as leaders with visions, passion, integrity, and self-confidence while facing a turbulent environment and business uncertainty.…”