Modelling the Link between Entrepreneurial Orientation, Learning Orientation and SMEs Performance: The Moderating Role of Technological Orientation

The primary goal of this study is to investigate the link between entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation and SMEs performance, with a particular emphasis on the moderating role of technological orientation. The paper used cross-sectional survey design to collect data from the sample of 272 SMEs operating in Kaduna Metropolis. The preliminary analysis was conducted using SPSS and the hypothesis was analysed using PLS-SEM. The first finding indicates a positive but insignificant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of SMEs. It further documents for the second finding that learning orientation is positively and significantly associated with SME performance. Furthermore, the third finding indicates that technological orientation is positive and significantly moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of SMEs. The fourth finding revealed that technological orientation is negative and moderates the relationship between learning orientation and SMEs performance significantly. Therefore, the study recommends that SMEs owners-managers, policy makers and regulatory agencies should encourage sound entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation and technological orientation culture with a view to increase SMEs performance. Thus, the study is expected to benefit both management and owners of SMEs in the country by improving their understanding of how they can use and implement different strategies to achieve higer performance.