Exploring the Influence of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Female Owned Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMES) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of female owned small and medium scale enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. Survey research design was adopted for this study. Population of the study was 418 registered SMEs in Uyo. Sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination, the figure was gotten as 196. Primary data was the main source of data. Instrument for data collection was a structured Likert scale questionnaire. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Specifically, simple linear regression statistical tool was the inferential statistics. Findings of the study revealed that innovation and risk taking had positive significant influence on female owned SMEs in Uyo. It was concluded that cultivating entrepreneurial orientation among female SME owners represents a viable pathway toward improving business performance, empowering women economically, and contributing to sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. As recommendation, policymakers should establish a comprehensive Entrepreneurial Orientation Development Program for women entrepreneurs in Uyo that combines the three dimensions through practical coaching, case studies, and peer-learning platforms. Adopting these recommendations may assist female SME owners in Uyo to strengthen their entrepreneurial orientation, which may eventually lead to improved business performance, sustainability, and growth.
Keywords
InnovationRisk TakingSMEsPerformance
References
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