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Unveiling the moderating effect of environmental turbulence on entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial competencies: a study from Indian SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Babita Bhati

    (AIMT)

  • Rashmi Maini

    (Amity University)

  • Raj K. Kovid

    (School of business, UPES)

  • Ashwani Mohan

    (Amity University)

Abstract

Entrepreneurial competencies substantially contribute to the performance of small and medium enterprises. However, Entrepreneurial competencies (EC) are influenced by Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and other environmental factors. This study unravels the direct effect of EO on EC as it has garnered much attention from researchers. This study also seeks to investigate the indirect effect (moderating) of Environmental Turbulence (ET), which has gained greater significance post-pandemic, on the relationship between EO and EC. Structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0 was used to test the research hypotheses. Based on the analysis of a sufficient number of responses collected from SMEs in the national capital region of India, the study shows a significant relationship between EO and EC. It also unveils the significant role of ET on EO and EC. The results indicate that low ET strengthens the relationship between EO and EC. The study provides implications for policy makers, academicians and budding entrepreneurs.

Suggested Citation

  • Babita Bhati & Rashmi Maini & Raj K. Kovid & Ashwani Mohan, 2025. "Unveiling the moderating effect of environmental turbulence on entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial competencies: a study from Indian SMEs," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 16(3), pages 1301-1312, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijsaem:v:16:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s13198-025-02734-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s13198-025-02734-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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