MODERATING EFFECTS OF PUBLIC SUPPORT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND SUSTAINABLE SMEs PERFORMANCE IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Sani Saidu Aliyu , Abdullahi Hassan Gorondutse and Mohammed Sanusi Magaji
Volume 12 Issue 3
Abstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal drivers of economic growth, employment generation, and contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria. However, the issue of sustaining SMEs remains a critical challenge, particularly amidst numerous domestic and global economic hardships in Kano State. This study investigated the complex relationship between the dimensions of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO)— specifically focusing on competitive aggressiveness and innovation—and SMEs' Sustainable Performance, while examining the crucial moderating role of Public Support. Utilizing a survey design, primary data was collected from 629 owners/managers of SMEs in Kano State. The hypotheses were tested using the SmartPLS-SEM version 3. The findings revealed that while certain direct EO dimensions may have inconsistent effects, public support plays a significant role in conditioning the EO-performance nexus. The study established that public support is of great importance to the sustainability of entrepreneurial performance and should be encouraged and promoted. Theoretically, this research contributes to the literature by applying the Resource Dependence Theory to explain the influence of EO dimensions on Sustainable SMEs Performance. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Public Support. Sustainable SMEs Performance, Moderating Effects, Kano State-Nigeria
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