Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20150428210214

Two-dimensional analysis of the influence of strategic networking on entrepreneurial orientation and business performance among SMEs

Bojan Morić Milovanović orcid.org/0000-0001-7676-6983 ; DIU Libertas International University, Trg J. F. Kennedya 6b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Dinko Primorac ; University North, Trg dr. Žarka Dolinara 1, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
Goran Kozina ; University North, Trg dr. Žarka Dolinara 1, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia

Abstract

Strategic networking (SN) is the process through which firms leverage specialization, efficiently allocate transformational resources and optimize support through information sharing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of strategic networking (SN) on entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance of Croatian SMEs, one of a dozen small, open and still-transitioning European economies. Financial and non-financial indicators were used in order to more precisely clarify the multidimensional aspect of the SN-EO-performance relationships. The external environment was assessed in terms of turbulence, hostility and dynamism, where its direct effect on SN and EO was tested. Research results indicate that defined structural model has a satisfactory fit level to empirical data and that structural coefficients lead to the acceptance of the research hypotheses. More importantly, the results yield some significantly new elements necessary for understanding the role of SN for the EO and performance of SMEs in a developing economy.

Keywords

business performance; entrepreneurial orientation; SMEs; strategic networking

Hrčak ID:

153178

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/153178

Publication date:

19.2.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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