Firm entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge/networking of agro-based enterprises in Malaysia: The role of technology and strategy

Abstract

Resurgence in agricultural-based sectors in Malaysia has recently prompted this study to explore the multi-dimensional entrepreneurial orientation (EO) relationship to knowledge and networking among the Malaysian Bumiputera small and medium agro-based enterprises (BSMAEs). The moderating role of technology and strategy on EO-knowledge-network relationship prompted some interesting findings. Based on 615 observations of BSMAEs, throughout Malaysia, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and simple slope analysis were performed to substantiate the hypothesis. The findings suggested that EO explained both SMAEs’ knowledge and network strategy, and subsequently, interaction of technology development, resources and strategic capability and visionary showed that they were more positively related to higher human capital, tacit knowledge, strategic alliance and social networking proficiency when specific EO dimension was higher than when it was low. The impact is crucial for country’s agro-based strategic entrepreneurial policy development in the future. Besides enriching the emerging strategic entrepreneurship body of knowledge, the findings strengthened resource-based view (RBV) social capital and knowledge-based theories. Finally, the paper discusses recommendations to encourage more studies in EO under the purview of strategic entrepreneurship in the future.