Entrepreneurial Motivation, Competency and Micro-Enterprise Sustainability Performance: Evidence from an Emerging Economy

Syed Ali Fazal (), Abdullah Al Mamun, Ali Saleh Alshebami (), Rajennd Muniady, Mohd Helmi Ali, Sayed Samer Ali Al Shami, Salem Handhal Al Marri, Abdullah Hamoud Ali Seraj, Murad Thomran and Faiz Algobaei
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Syed Ali Fazal: UKM-Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Abdullah Al Mamun: UKM-Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Ali Saleh Alshebami: Applied College in Abqaiq, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Rajennd Muniady: Department of Business Studies, Faculty of Accountancy, Management and Economics, New Era University College, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Mohd Helmi Ali: UKM-Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
Sayed Samer Ali Al Shami: Institute of Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka 75300, Malaysia
Salem Handhal Al Marri: Applied College in Abqaiq, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Hamoud Ali Seraj: College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Murad Thomran: Department of Accounting, College of Business Administration, University of Hail, Hail 55471, Saudi Arabia
Faiz Algobaei: Faculty of Science and Arts, Northern Border University, Rafha 76413, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 19, 1-20

Abstract: Small to medium-sized enterprises suffer from loss of competitive advantage, low productivity, and poor performance because of inadequate competencies. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of selected motivational dimensions (i.e., self-improvement, self-confidence, openness to change, pull factors, and the need for achievement) on entrepreneurial competency among micro-entrepreneurs. We used a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 403 micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia using random sampling. SEM-PLS was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that self-confidence, openness to change, and pull factors positively influenced entrepreneurial competencies. Moreover, there was a positive effect of self-confidence, pull factors, need for achievement, and entrepreneurial competency on enterprise sustainability performance. Furthermore, entrepreneurial competencies significantly mediated the effect of self-confidence, openness to change, and pull factors on enterprise sustainability performance. Apart from extending the lens of a resource-based view, this study enriches enterprise sustainability literature from emerging nations’ perspective. Policymakers can strengthen their programs and policies to improve the entrepreneurial competencies of micro-entrepreneurs and their business sustainability.

Keywords: self-improvement; self-confidence; openness to change; pull factors; need for achievement; entrepreneurial competency; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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