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Influence of Technical (Hard Skills) and Behavioral (Soft Skills) on Entrepreneurial Success: The Case of Tunisian SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Imen Kammoun
  • Anis Jarboui

Abstract

Purpose : This study aims to rigorously and comprehensively assess the critical influence of entrepreneurial skills—both technical and behavioral—on business performance and sustainability. Focusing on the Tunisian context, it seeks to provide robust evidence demonstrating that developing these skills is an essential strategic lever for ensuring entrepreneurs’ success and competitiveness in a highly competitive economic environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is based on a comprehensive literature review to identify key entrepreneurial skills influencing business performance. Empirically, a quantitative survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 131 Tunisian entrepreneurs. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce variable dimensionality, followed by linear regression to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial skills—both technical and behavioral—and entrepreneurial performance. Findings: The data analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between entrepreneurial skills—both technical and behavioral—and business performance. Entrepreneurs possessing these skills achieve better outcomes in terms of growth, profitability, and sustainability. These findings confirm the importance of entrepreneurial skills in fostering business success, particularly within the Tunisian economic context studied. Practical Implications: These findings emphasize the importance of enhancing entrepreneurial skills to boost business performance. They form the foundation for a practical guide designed for entrepreneurs, helping them develop both technical and behavioral skills. Such targeted efforts contribute to increasing the resilience and competitiveness of businesses, especially in the Tunisian context. Originality/Value: This study offers an original contribution by enhancing the understanding of entrepreneurial skills within a relatively underexplored context—the Tunisian environment. It proposes an integrated approach to both technical and behavioral skills, highlighting their key role in business performance. Furthermore, this work enriches the existing scientific literature on the topic, thereby reinforcing its relevance for researchers and domain specialists.

Suggested Citation

  • Imen Kammoun & Anis Jarboui, 2026. "Influence of Technical (Hard Skills) and Behavioral (Soft Skills) on Entrepreneurial Success: The Case of Tunisian SMEs," International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), vol. 0(1), pages 142-158.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:ijebaa:v:xiv:y:2026:i:1:p:142-158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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