The Influence of Social Competence on the Types of Entrepreneurial Networks Formed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Empirical Evidence From Tanzania's Manufacturing SMEs
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Date
2019-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dodoma
Abstract
This study examined the influence of five dimensions of social competence namely social perception, social adaptability, social expressiveness, impression management, and persuasiveness on the types of entrepreneurial networks formed by SMEs. Types of entrepreneurial networks are social networks, business networks, and supporting networks. To achieve this objective the study adopted a cross-sectional study design where by data were collected from manufacturing SMEs in Tanzania in four types of sub-sectors viz food processing, woodwork, ironwork, and textile. 250 SMEs were selected through stratified random sampling procedure. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data in a survey from owner- managers of these SMEs. Statistical analysis included factor and Poisson regression model. The study findings identify and indicate that a number of social competence dimensions have a significant influence on networks formation. These findings suggest that social competence is influential in determining the type and size of entrepreneurial networks formed by SMEs.
Description
Journal of Business Studies and Economics (JBSE), 2019; 1(1): 48-69
Keywords
Owner manager, entrepreneurial networks, Small and Medium Enterprises, social competence