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Competitive Aggressiveness, Environmental Context, and Small Firm Performance

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  • Jeffrey G. Covin
  • Teresa Joyce Covin

Abstract

This study examined relationships between firm performance, the degree of aggressiveness a firm exhibits in its competitive orientation, and the environmental dimensions of technological sophistication and hostility. Subgroup (correlation) analysis was used to analyze data collected from 143 small manufacturing-based firms. The findings suggest that high-performing firms often exhibit an aggressive competitive orientation when faced with environmental hostility, while low-performing firms tend to be more passive when operating in hostile environments. No overall difference was observed in the correlations between competitive aggressiveness and environmental technological sophistication for the high- and low-performing subgroups. However, younger firms generally performed better when they were not highly aggressive in technologically sophisticated environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey G. Covin & Teresa Joyce Covin, 1990. "Competitive Aggressiveness, Environmental Context, and Small Firm Performance," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 14(4), pages 35-50, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:14:y:1990:i:4:p:35-50
    DOI: 10.1177/104225879001400406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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