The moderating role of business environment in the relationship betweenudentrepreneurial orientation and business performance among Nigerian SMEs

摘要

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are essential to economic growth of Nigeria, and therefore are considered asuda major source of job creation, and poverty reduction as they signifi cantly contribute to the gross domestic products.udThus the aim of this study is to investigate the direct relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and businessudperformance of SMEs in Nigeria, with the moderating effect of business environment. A quantitative research design wasudemployed, using a structured questionnaire survey, and a total of 511 valid responses were duly completed and returned,udrepresenting 79.8 percent response rate. Based on theoretical consideration, a framework was developed to investigateudthese relationships. The result of regression analysis established a strong and positive relationship between EO and businessudperformance. However, the hypothesized moderating effect of the business environment on the relationship between EOudand business performance was not supported. The fi ndings from this study will benefi t SME owner/managers, regulatoryudagencies, and government at all levels, and will also serve as a frame of reference for future studies.