Search

Objective: This study analyzes the main dimensions of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) - propensity inseridofor innovation, risk propensity, and proactivity - that contributed to the growth of Micro, Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs) during the crisis caused by Covid-19. Method: A quantitative analysis was carried out using the t test paired with 102 MSMEs managers to understand which main aspects of EO contributed to the performance of their companies. Results: The results show that the presence of a proactive element in MSMEs influences the increase in their revenues in a crisis period. Nevertheless, the significance of characteristics prone to innovation and risks in MSMEs for their growth in a period of crisis is not confirmed. Limitations: the sample used in this research could be larger and the concept of EO is based only on its three main dimensions. As there is no consensus in the literature on the dimensionality of the EO construct, other applications using different concepts are suggested. Theoretical and practical implications: The research shows how the EO drives MSMEs in a crisis context, notably through its proactivity dimension. In a practical way, the paper reveals that EO in MSMEs is strongly present in the leader's figure, as well as it is related to its personality, playing an important role to boost the business in a period of crisis. Originality: This study allows to know which aspects of EO are more decisive in the growth of MSMEs in periods of widespread recession. Thus, entrepreneurs will be able to assess how much they consider EO dominant perspectives for the growth of their businesses. It also contributes both to the discussion on the recovery of the economy and the literature on EO, which does not yet show how this construct operates in the context of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Pharmaceutical industry, the current study investigates the moderation role of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on the influence of innovation on Pharmaceutical SMEs performance in Jordan. The current research was conducted on Jordanian pharmaceutical SMEs including manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies with employee numbers of less than 100. The research design was quantitative, descriptive, causal, and cross-sectional held by an online questionnaire tool targeted all employees, managers, and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in pharmaceutical SMEs. Using the AMOS software, the Structural Equation Model (SEM) was adopted to analyze a sample of 162 surveys and examine the hypotheses. The outcome of this study indicated that the research model variables can explain 69.4 % of the variance of SMEs' performance. Additionally, it confirmed that innovation has a significant positive impact on pharmaceutical SMEs, and Entrepreneurial Orientation moderates the influence of innovation on pharmaceutical SMEs' Performance. Furthermore, current research findings contribute to extending existing relevant knowledge about the innovation impact and moderating role of Entrepreneurial Orientation on pharmaceutical SMEs' performance in Jordan and understanding the relationship between these variables to be of significant guidance to managing entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Further, the results show SMEs' methods and directions to follow during crises, such as COVID-19, to maintain business performance and sustainability. The current research paper contributes to the present literature since very limited studies investigated the innovation impact on SMEs' performance. Moreover, previous studies did not sufficiently analyze the impact of management, product, and process dimensions of innovation on SMEs' performance with the contribution of EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]