Influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State - Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the Influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) in Tafawa Balewa LGA Bauchi State. A primary method of data collection was used. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire administered randomly to a carefully selected sample of 400 owners, managers/supervisors of SMES who have been in existence for a period of a minimum of five years and above through a multi-stage sampling technique. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyses the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of SMES in Tafawa Balewa LGA Bauchi. The study results revealed that entrepreneurial orientation (with such elements as innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking) has a positive and significant effect on SME performance in Tafawa Balewa LGA Bauchi State. The study concluded that entrepreneurial orientation is an integral part of SMES’ owners in Bauchi Southern Senatorial Zone Nigeria to achieve optimal business performance. This means the more firms take advantage of EO constructs in the management of their small business organizations, the increase in performance could raise by 41%. This implies that in general, EO plays a crucial role in achieving an increased level of SME performance.