ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES OF SME OWNER/MANAGERS IN THE HONG KONG SERVICES SECTOR: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Based on a theoretical framework linking entrepreneurial competencies and SME performance, we carried out an empirical study to investigate the entrepreneurial competencies of SME owner/managers in the Hong Kong services sector. Thirty-five clusters of behavioural competencies were identified under six competency areas, which are applied to three entrepreneurial tasks, together with seven supporting competencies which play supporting roles to these competency areas or focus personally on the entrepreneur rather than on the entrepreneurial tasks. Distinguishing supporting competencies from major competency areas allows us to be more focused on further investigation into the functions of different competencies. The results are also discussed with reference to the research context and the entrepreneurship in Hong Kong.