ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AS DRIVER OF SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIAN SMEs: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

SODEINDE GBEMI MOSES; FASANMI OLUMUYIWA OLADAPO; GBENGA SAMSON FAYIGBE; BOLATITO BOLADALE BABALOLA-ALABI

doi:10.70382/sjaass.v7i2.012

Authors

SODEINDE GBEMI MOSES Precious Cornerstone University Department of Business Administration , Ibadan. Nigeria. Author
FASANMI OLUMUYIWA OLADAPO Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere - Ekiti, Nigeria. Author
GBENGA SAMSON FAYIGBE Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, School of Vocational and. Entrepreneurial Studies, College of Technology, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, (BOUESTI) Ikere - Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Author
BOLATITO BOLADALE BABALOLA-ALABI PhD. Intelligence Department, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ekiti State Command, Headquarters,, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70382/sjaass.v7i2.012

Keywords:

Entrepreneurial Orientation, Small and Medium Enterprise, Sustainability, Competitiveness, Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian economy is predominantly driven by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which play a significant role in contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. This paper examines the role of entrepreneurial orientation as a key driver of SME sustainability in Nigeria. Unlike previous studies that have focused primarily on quantitative approaches, this research adopts a qualitative methodology to explore how innovativeness and competitiveness influence the sustainability and performance of SMEs. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four SME owners, selected using purposive sampling to ensure their relevant experience with innovation and sustainability. The study utilized the Narrative Textual Case Study (NTCS) method to analyze the data. The interviews were designed to capture insights into how the introduction of new ideas, processes, and products impacts the performance and sustainability of SMEs. The findings revealed that innovativeness, as demonstrated through the introduction of new ideas, processes, and products, plays a critical role in fostering SME sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, competitiveness emerged as a crucial factor, enabling SMEs to evaluate various strategic options for growth and long-term viability.