Jianfeng Jia, Guofeng Wang, Xi’nan Zhao and Xifeng Yu
The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of executive competency in entrepreneurial-orientated corporations between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of executive competency in entrepreneurial-orientated corporations between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a survey of entrepreneurial-oriented enterprises mainly located in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Chengdu, Guiyang, Wuhan, Taiyuan, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and so on, areas which cover North China, northeast of China, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, and are largely representative of the population as a whole. A total of 300 questionnaires were issued with 276 returns, a response rate of 92 per cent; 248 of these were valid.
Findings
First, executive competency in entrepreneurial-oriented corporations has four dimensions. These are profession features, concept features, interpersonal features and individual internal drive features; 15 competency elements are included in the above dimensions. Second, entrepreneurial orientation does improve corporate performance, and the positive influence is mainly through two dimensions, which are innovation and antecedence. Third, executive competency has a positive influence on corporate performance, thus confirming the effectiveness of executive competency as a dependent variable. Finally, executive competency has a partial mediating influence on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance, with a full mediating influence on innovation and corporate performance, and a partial mediating influence on antecedence and corporate performance.
Originality/value
The conclusions have important implications. Theoretically, the executive competency model, which fits entrepreneurial orientation, is constructed, and the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance is enriched and extended to include executive competency, which provides a theoretical foundation and empirical support for understanding and explaining entrepreneurial strategy in Chinese corporations. In terms of practical implications, this study helps entrepreneurial-orientated corporations to develop a proper human resources management system to recruit, evaluate, train and develop executives, resulting in continuous performance improvement.
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Geng Cui and Qiming Liu
As one of the big emerging markets, China’s enormous population and rapid increase in consumer spending have attracted many multinational corporations (MNCs). Meanwhile, the…
Abstract
As one of the big emerging markets, China’s enormous population and rapid increase in consumer spending have attracted many multinational corporations (MNCs). Meanwhile, the misconception of China as a homogeneous market often leads to difficulties in assessing market demand and enacting effective strategies. Examines the diversity among Chinese consumers across seven regional markets. Data from a national survey suggest that consumers from various regions are significantly different from one another in terms of purchasing power, attitudes, lifestyles, media use, and consumption patterns. MNCs need to take a cautionary approach when expanding into the inland regions, and must adapt to the local market conditions and devise sustainable strategies.