Influence of Strategic Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Growth of Small and Medium Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Literature Based Review

Authors

  • Nduati Peterson Munyua Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMES) forms the vanguard of the modem enterprises sector and present the propelling force of economic modernization and growth of a country. SME sector is the main driving force behind job creation, poverty reduction, wealth creation, income. Small and medium enterprises in manufacturing sector are key for economic development of Kenya. The study sought to establish the influence of strategic entrepreneurial orientation on the growth of small and medium manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource Based Theory and dynamic capabilities theory. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish the influence of strategic entrepreneurial orientation on the growth of small and medium manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study concluded that entrepreneurial orientation is a multi-dimensional construct operationalized in terms of several key dimensions such as proactiveness, innovativeness, risky ventures, competitive aggressiveness and market innovations. Entrepreneurial orientation as a firm strategies orientation demonstrates specific entrepreneurial features of decision-making techniques and association. Therefore, the analysis points a positive relationship amongst entrepreneurial orientation and business strategy situations where dynamic environment is integrated. This eventually results in better knowledge of the environment, enhanced decision-making and positive implications on business performance. The study recommends that SME owner-managers should be proactive in seeking new product ideas and customer product information that will in turn enable them generate ideas on designing and manufacturing innovative products. The setting up of SMEs support policies that promote collaborations in research for purposes of sharing information/accessing the diverse knowledge base on new product design, development and production.

Keywords: Strategic Entrepreneurial Orientation, Growth, Small and Medium Manufacturing Firms & Kenya.

Author Biography

Nduati Peterson Munyua, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

PhD Candidate, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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Published

2019-05-15

How to Cite

Munyua, N. P. (2019). Influence of Strategic Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Growth of Small and Medium Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Literature Based Review. Journal of Entrepreneurship & Project Management, 3(3), 1–13. Retrieved from https://stratfordjournals.org/journals/index.php/journal-of-entrepreneurship-proj/article/view/285

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