Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2018.1545594
Linking a multidimensional construct of networking self-efficacy to firm growth
Tina Bratkovič Kregar
; a Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
Boštjan Antončič
; b Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Mitja Ruzzier
; a Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to develop a multidimensional construct of networking self-efficacy, empirically test its multidimensionality, and analyse its relationship to firm growth. The empirical study is based on data collected through a structured questionnaire that was emailed to entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized firms in Slovenia. The developed scale was examined for convergent and discriminant validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The predictive validity of the scale was measured by linking networking self-efficacy to firm growth. The results confirmed a three-dimensional structure of
the networking self-efficacy construct and a positive relationship
between networking self-efficacy and firm growth. The results of
the study show that a stronger sense of networking self-efficacy
can actually result in greater network support and consequently
also better firm growth. Thus, entrepreneurs should be confident
in their abilities to obtain and efficiently use resources acquired
through their personal networks in order to exploit all the benefits of their social networks.
Keywords
Entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial networks; self efficacy; networking; networking self-efficacy; firm growth
Hrčak ID:
216155
URI
Publication date:
22.1.2019.
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