Isaac Mensah, Rosemond Boohene and Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah
This research examined the effects of entrepreneurial networking, operationalised as network isomorphism and network social capital, on the sustainable growth of small enterprises…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examined the effects of entrepreneurial networking, operationalised as network isomorphism and network social capital, on the sustainable growth of small enterprises and the role of innovation in the hypothesised relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a survey design and the questionnaire method to collect data from 319 small enterprises which were selected via quota sampling from the membership lists of the Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Enterprises Agency. Data were analysed using the covariance-based structural equation modelling (CV SEM-Amos) technique.
Findings
The study found that most small enterprises participate in business networks, followed by social and political networks. Entrepreneurial networking has a significant positive influence on the sustainable growth of small enterprises, and the influence is strongly mediated by innovation. Compared with network isomorphism, the value derived from social networks has a higher significant effect on sustainable enterprise growth.
Practical implications
Small enterprises that tap into valuable network resources to drive internal innovation should experience sustainable growth, whereas those that do not leverage the power of entrepreneurial networking miss the opportunity to access critical resources for innovation and sustainable enterprise growth.
Originality/value
The paper extends beyond the resource-based view by integrating institutional and network-based theories to offer a unique “entrepreneurial network model.” By testing the model, the empirical findings provide unique comprehensive insights into network isomorphism and network social capital as entrepreneurial mechanisms which facilitate access to network resources for innovations and sustainable growth of small enterprises.
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Rosemond Boohene, Regina Appiah Gyimah and Martin Boakye Osei
Lack of extant studies on the moderating role of emotional intelligence on the relationship between social capital and firm performance necessitated this study. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Lack of extant studies on the moderating role of emotional intelligence on the relationship between social capital and firm performance necessitated this study. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between social capital and small and medium-scaled enterprises’ (SMEs’) performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 1,532 SMEs were selected through simple random sampling technique from a population of 5,009 SMEs. Structural equation modelling using AMOS was used to analyse the relationship between the variables.
Findings
The results revealed that social capital has a positive and significant relationship with emotional intelligence. Moreover, the study also showed that emotional intelligence has a positive and significant relationship with SME performance. Finally, the study found that emotional intelligence enhances the relationship between social capital and SME performance.
Practical implications
SME owner/managers are advised to enact policies that encourage the establishment of meaningful social networks and also help employees understand their emotions while creating social capital as both would help improve the performance of their firms.
Originality/value
This paper breaks new ground by identifying emotional intelligence as an enabler of SMEs performance where there is adequate social capital.
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Rosemond Boohene, Alison Sheridan and Bernice Kotey
While most studies concerning gender differences in small business performance have emerged from developed countries, how applicable the results are to transitional economies…
Abstract
Purpose
While most studies concerning gender differences in small business performance have emerged from developed countries, how applicable the results are to transitional economies, where there still exist significant differences in the socialisation of men and women, is not clear. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of gender on the performance of small businesses in Ghana by exploring the impact of personal values on business owners' choice of strategies, specifically asking, do women and men pursue different business strategies, how do personal values influence their strategies and how do their strategies affect performance?
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 600 owner‐managers of small retail shops in the Greater Accra Region were surveyed. Results were analysed using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling.
Findings
The results suggest that there are gender differences in personal values, which lead to different strategies adopted by women and men, which in turn influence performance; specifically Ghanaian women owner‐managers are more risk‐averse than Ghanaian men, and this affects their pursuit of specific functional strategies and ultimately their performance in varied ways.
Research limitations/implications
Further studies will need to replicate these findings with other types of businesses, in other locations.
Practical implications
The results suggest that closer attention should be given to developing the entrepreneurial values of women if the goal of greater economic development is to be achieved in transitional economies.
Originality/value
Limited research has been conducted on women and men small business owners in transitional economies such as Ghana. This empirical research provides important insights into this field.
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Rowena Barrett and John Burgess
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers contributing to this special issue and to locate them within the broader questions about the role of small firms in enabling…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers contributing to this special issue and to locate them within the broader questions about the role of small firms in enabling or alleviating issues of equality, diversity, and difference for various groups in society.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature dealing with the issues of equality, diversity, and difference pertaining to the operation of and/or working in smaller firms was reviewed prior to drawing out the key points from the submitted papers and considering the contribution they make to this literature.
Findings
Overall, one's these five papers contribute to one's understanding of the issues facing those in business or self‐employment, working in small business or wanting to pursue enterprise.
Originality/value
Rarely are questions asked about the assumed role small firms play in mitigating social exclusion for a range of groups in society. By addressing questions which explore the challenge of equality, diversity, and difference for small business in their establishment, management, and effective operation using interdisciplinary frameworks and different methodologies, a better understanding of the role of small business in society can be developed.