Redefining resilience: The case of small entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia

The survival of enterprises and the effective management of daily problems and obstacles, particularly those faced by small entrepreneurs, depend heavily on resilience. This study examines the critical elements that help small Saudi entrepreneurs strengthen their entrepreneurial resilience through internal locus of control and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, particularly during trying times. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) technique was used to analyse the responses of 207 small entrepreneurs operating in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The convenience sampling technique was used, and the data was collected using an online questionnaire. The study found a strong relationship between entrepreneurial resilience, internal locus of control, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. These results demonstrated that entrepreneurial self-efficacy could mediate the relationship between the internal locus of control and entrepreneurial resilience. Finally, the study addressed limitations and provided recommendations for policymakers and potential authors

Fostering potential entrepreneurs: An empirical study of the drivers of green self-efficacy in Saudi Arabia

The positive role of entrepreneurship and micro and small enterprises in providing job opportunities necessitated a further investigation into the critical individual factors motivating individuals and potential entrepreneurs (students) to develop their entrepreneurial intentions and act green. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the effects of crucial factors—environmental self-identity (ESI) and green mindfulness (GM)—on students’ (potential entrepreneurs’) development of green self-efficacy (GSE) and to examine the influence of GSE on their green entrepreneurial intentions (GEIs). The study sample of 202 potential entrepreneurs was drawn from two Applied and Business Administration Colleges at King Faisal University. The collected data were analysed and interpreted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The research produced exciting results showing that ESI and GM positively influenced GSE and that GSE positively affected GEI. The results also revealed GSE’s capability to mediate the connection between GM, ESI, and GEI. This paper concludes by providing several suggestions for decision-makers in the study context

Unleashing environmental performance: the impact of green entrepreneurial motivation on small enterprises

Background: Environmental degradation has been annoying, pressuring enterprises to look for innovative ways to improve their operations, methods and products. Aim: This research identifies the key factors contributing to developing innovative behaviour among small enterprises in Saudi Arabia and their effect on environmental performance (EP). Method: The study collected a sample of 284 from different types of small enterprises operating in Saudi Arabia. The data collected were analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: The study revealed interesting results. It was found that green entrepreneurial motivation (GEM) can positively and significantly influence green innovation (GI) as well as environmental performance. It was also found that green innovation can positively and significantly affect environmental performance. Finally, green innovation could mediate the relationship between green entrepreneurial motivation and environmental performance. Also, Knowledge sharing (KS) could moderate the relationship between green entrepreneurial motivation and green innovation. Conclusion: The study concluded by providing several recommendations for the policymakers in Saudi Arabia

Entrepreneurial motivation, competency and micro-enterprise sustainability performance: evidence from an emerging economy

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

Entrepreneurial motivation, competency and micro-enterprise sustainability performance: evidence from an emerging economy

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

Improving social performance through innovative small green businesses: knowledge sharing and green entrepreneurial intention as antecedents

Small businesses are thought to be largely responsible for environmental pollution despite the fact that businesses of all shapes and sizes contribute to this issue. This research explores how important factors such as knowledge sharing (KS) and green entrepreneurial intention (GEI) might help small businesses in Saudi Arabia develop and implement green innovation (GI). It also seeks to determine whether GI is a mediating variable that explains the connection between GEI, KS, and social performance (SP). Accordingly, an online survey was used to collect responses from 284 small entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia engaged in various types of business activities. The study used partial least squares structural equation modelling for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The results show that GI considerably influences SP while also having a significant link with both GEI and KS. Further, the study reveals that the relationship between GEI, KS, and SP is mediated by GI. The study offers a plethora of suggestions to various stakeholders generally and to Saudi authorities specifically

Psychological Features and Entrepreneurial Intention among Saudi Small Entrepreneurs during Adverse Times

This study’s objective is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and internal locus of control on the entrepreneurial intention of small Saudi entrepreneurs during adverse times, with entrepreneurial resilience as a moderator. The study, which targeted a sample of 207 small entrepreneurs working in various sectors in Saudi Arabia, gathered data through an online questionnaire sent to respondents and analysed the results using PLS-SEM. The study revealed intriguing findings, such as the existence of a positive significant relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, internal locus of control and entrepreneurial intention amongst small Saudi entrepreneurs. It also demonstrated that in times of adversity, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic and other environmental challenges, entrepreneurial resilience can act as a moderator between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Entrepreneurial resilience, in particular, has the potential to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Accordingly, the government, along with other sectors and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, should continue to support the psychological characteristics of small Saudi entrepreneurs, notably their internal locus of control, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial resilience to ensure greater sustainability and the continuity of their small businesses

Green Innovation, Self-Efficacy, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Economic Performance: Interactions among Saudi Small Enterprises

The stiff competition in the market, and continuous pressures from various stakeholders such as customers, business owners, environmental authorities, and society, in general, to produce unique products and services, protect the environment, and obtain competitive advantage continue to challenge the sustainability of enterprises in the market, especially the small ones. Accordingly, to minimize the effect of these challenges and pressures, small enterprises can improve their performance by directing their practices and processes towards developing innovative products and services that can help obtain a competitive advantage, protect the environment and better market share. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the necessary antecedents contributing to developing innovative green products and services among small enterprises in Saudi Arabia. The study targeted a sample of 284 small entrepreneurs across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The responses were collected with a convenience sample through an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that both green entrepreneurial self-efficacy (GESE) and green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) have a positive relationship with green innovation (GI). The findings also reported that GI mediates the relationship between GESE, GEO and economic performance (EP)

Toward an Ecosystem Framework for Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship in Yemen

Women’s entrepreneurship is critical to an economy’s growth and development, yet it faces a variety of difficulties. This study aims to conduct a theoretical assessment of women’s entrepreneurship in Yemen and examine the problems it faces in its development. The findings show that women entrepreneurs in Yemen face numerous hurdles, including social, cultural, and institutional barriers; financial constraints; a lack of entrepreneurial education and knowledge; and a deficiency in training and incubation support. Consequently, it is suggested that a complete ecosystem for women’s entrepreneurship be developed, involving various stakeholders and comprising different types of facilities capable of assisting women entrepreneurs and ensuring their optimum advantage