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Assessing SMEs’ Sustainable Growth through Entrepreneurs’ Ability and Entrepreneurial Orientation: An Insight into SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire

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  • Ardjouman Diabate

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Hagan Sibiri

    (School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Linyu Wang

    (School of Economics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Liying Yu

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

Abstract

In most countries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in driving sustainable economic growth and job creation; hence, the need to investigate factors (e.g., entrepreneurial factors) that influence SMEs’ sustainable growth (SMESG). This study provides an insight into entrepreneurs’ abilities (EAs) that affect SMESG in Côte d’Ivoire (a middle-income economy located in the West African region) and an assessment of the extent to which entrepreneurial orientation (EO) influences the EA–SMESG relationship. By using data from 320 Ivorian SMEs, the results of hypothesis testing confirm an association between SMESG and each EA dimension (creativity, risk control, relationship, and opportunity detection ability), learning ability excepted. As for the moderating effect of EO, the innovativeness in entrepreneurship positively and significantly regulates the EA–SMESG relationship; proactiveness positively regulates the relationship between almost all EA dimensions and SMESG; and risk tendency regulates the relationship EA–SMESG for creativity and risk-control ability. Based on major findings, management implications are formulated in relation to promoting SMEs’ sustainable growth. For example, in light of the impact of EA on SMESG, development actors can increase the efficiency of Ivorian SMEs through actions aiming at strengthening the abilities of entrepreneurs and managers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ardjouman Diabate & Hagan Sibiri & Linyu Wang & Liying Yu, 2019. "Assessing SMEs’ Sustainable Growth through Entrepreneurs’ Ability and Entrepreneurial Orientation: An Insight into SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:24:p:7149-:d:297644
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