Effect of knowledge and networking on relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of small and medium agrobased enterprises (SMAEs): The impact of technology, strategy and perceived environment

Abstract

Small and medium agro-based enterprises (SMAEs) in Malaysia is progressing parallel with the developed nations' direction in 2020. The progress in this sector could be enhanced with the support of strategic entrepreneurship variables. Entrepreneurial orientation, knowledge, business network, technology, strategy and perceived environmental factors showed significant impact on growth, efficiency and effectiveness of the SMAEs. A total of 615 observations were collected from owner or manager of multi sectoral SMAEs. The study substantiated specific EO patterns among SMAEs between regional growth corridors (RGCs) on the peninsular. EO among SMAEs in Malaysia shows some forms of strategic entrepreneurship. Knowledge, network and EO were important determinants for SMAEs' growth, efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, social network showed significant intervening effect for higher SMAEs effectiveness when EO was used. Presence of technology, strategy and perceived environment justified higher SMAEs' growth, efficiency and effectiveness when knowledge, network and EO were utilized. © 2010 IEEE.