ENTREPRENEURSHIP BEHAVIOUR AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurship behaviour and the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State. The study was anchored on Resource-Based View Theory. The population of the study consisted of 359 skilled workforce of some selected small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State. A sample size of 189 was determined using Taro Yamane's formula. For the purpose of this study, the primary source of data (questionnaire), which was subjected to both validity and reliability was utilized. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in data analysis and the hypotheses were tested at a 5% level of significance. It was revealed from the analysis that innovativeness significantly influenced employee satisfaction of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State, competitiveness significantly influenced customer satisfaction of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State, initiative significantly influenced job satisfaction of small and medium scale enterprises in Anambra State. The results suggested that SMEs that prioritize innovation, competitiveness, and strategic initiatives are more likely to achieve higher levels of performance and success in the competitive business environment of Anambra State. The study recommended that small and medium scale enterprises should be encouraged to prioritize innovation in their business operations by investing in research and development, fostering creativity among employees, and continuously seeking new ways to improve products, services, and processes, entrepreneurs should focus on enhancing their competitiveness in the market by differentiating their products or services in order to stand out and attract a loyal customer base, entrepreneurs should also develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with their business goals and objectives in order to sustain growth and profitability in business.