Abstract
The paper explores Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in SMEs in the Middle Eastern state of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. We hypothesise that emerging market context and unique UAE business structures will impact the expression and effects of the five dimensions of EO. Using OLS and GMM techniques, our study shows that innovation, risk taking, proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness do not correlate positively with performance, but autonomy does. By studying EO in a unique region and amongst SMEs we contribute to the implementation and development of theory in alternative business contexts. We suggest the EO dimensions co-depend, with autonomy a capstone dimension in SMEs upon which the others rely. At a local level, we suggest policy might take steps to encourage autonomy by reducing ownership restrictions, and improve the institutional environment to facilitate risk-taking and, in turn, the other EO dimensions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 241-261 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Sept 2019 |