IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/jglont/v14y2024i1d10.1007_s40497-023-00375-z.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking: the mediating role of informational differences and opportunity identification among small and medium enterprises in Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel S. Mayanja

    (Kyambogo University)

  • Michael Omeke

    (Kyambogo University)

  • Henry Mutebi

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Regis Zombeire

    (Kyambogo University)

Abstract

The study aims at examining the mediating effect of informational differences and opportunity identification in the relationship between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. The research is based on 228 survey responses which is comprised of SME owners/managers. The hypotheses were tested through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS version 3.3.0 to analyze the quantitative responses and depict a model featuring entrepreneurial networking among SMEs. The study found that informational differences and opportunity identification positively and significantly mediate the relationship between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking. Policymakers should pay more attention to situations where the business owners/manager can act as a leader to create an enabling environment for employees to attach the value of dissimilarities in opinion and knowledge. In turn, understanding the business environment helps in exploiting prospects from entrepreneurial networks. The major limitation of the study is that the authors have used cross-sectional data to test the research hypotheses. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the management of SMEs by empirically testing the anecdotal and conceptual evidence of entrepreneurial networking using complex adaptive system theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel S. Mayanja & Michael Omeke & Henry Mutebi & Regis Zombeire, 2024. "Nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking: the mediating role of informational differences and opportunity identification among small and medium enterprises in Uganda," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 14(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jglont:v:14:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s40497-023-00375-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s40497-023-00375-z
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s40497-023-00375-z
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s40497-023-00375-z?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Benoit Morel & Rangaraj Ramanujam, 1999. "Through the Looking Glass of Complexity: The Dynamics of Organizations as Adaptive and Evolving Systems," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(3), pages 278-293, June.
    2. Ekaterina Turkina & Ari Van Assche & Raja Kali, 2016. "Structure and evolution of global cluster networks: evidence from the aerospace industry," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 16(6), pages 1211-1234.
    3. Fang Liu & Irene Hau-Siu Chow & Jun-Cheng Zhang & Man Huang, 2019. "Organizational innovation climate and individual innovative behavior: exploring the moderating effects of psychological ownership and psychological empowerment," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 771-789, August.
    4. Thomas Kreuzer & Anna-Katharina Lindenthal & Anna Maria Oberländer & Maximilian Röglinger, 2022. "The Effects of Digital Technology on Opportunity Recognition," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 64(1), pages 47-67, February.
    5. Erik Lindhult & James K. Hazy, 2016. "Complexity approach to joint value discovery in service innovation management," International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 3(1/2), pages 115-138.
    6. Philip Anderson, 1999. "Perspective: Complexity Theory and Organization Science," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(3), pages 216-232, June.
    7. Davidsson, Per & Honig, Benson, 2003. "The role of social and human capital among nascent entrepreneurs," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 301-331, May.
    8. De Rosa, Marcello & McElwee, Gerard & Smith, Robert, 2019. "Farm diversification strategies in response to rural policy: a case from rural Italy," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 291-301.
    9. Stephan Gerschewski & Natasha Evers & Anh Tuan Nguyen & Fabian Jintae Froese, 2020. "Trade Shows and SME Internationalisation: Networking for Performance," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 60(4), pages 573-595, August.
    10. Boris Urban, 2019. "Social Networking and Opportunity Recognition: A Focus on Internationalised Firms in South Africa," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 28(2), pages 295-315, September.
    11. Balagopal Vissa, 2012. "Agency in Action: Entrepreneurs' Networking Style and Initiation of Economic Exchange," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(2), pages 492-510, April.
    12. Marc Gruber & Florian Heinemann & Malte Brettel & Stephan Hungeling, 2010. "Configurations of resources and capabilities and their performance implications: an exploratory study on technology ventures," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(12), pages 1337-1356, December.
    13. Najib Ullah Khan & Shuangjie Li & Muhammad Nabeel Safdar & Zia Ullah Khan, 2019. "The Role of Entrepreneurial Strategy, Network Ties, Human and Financial Capital in New Venture Performance," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, March.
    14. Jeffrey Goldstein & James K. Hazy & Joyce Silberstang, 2010. "A Complexity Science Model of Social Innovation in Social Enterprise," Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(1), pages 101-125, March.
    15. Sarstedt, Marko & Ringle, Christian M. & Smith, Donna & Reams, Russell & Hair, Joseph F., 2014. "Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM): A useful tool for family business researchers," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 5(1), pages 105-115.
    16. Thomas Bilaliib Udimal & E. Liu & Mingcan Lou, 2021. "Network reliance and entrepreneurial performance, the role of external networking behaviour and entrepreneurial orientation: the case of rural farmer-entrepreneurs," Innovation & Management Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 18(3), pages 308-330, June.
    17. Andrzej Bia³as, 2016. "Cost-Benefits Aspects In Risk Management," Polish Journal of Management Studies, Czestochowa Technical University, Department of Management, vol. 14(1), pages 28-39, December.
    18. Samuel Mayanja & Michael Omeke & Josue Vajeru Tibamwenda & Henry Mutebi & Fredrick Mufta, 2021. "The mediating role of the novelty ecosystem between personality traits, entrepreneurial networks and entrepreneurial ambidexterity among small and medium enterprises," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 11(1), pages 379-395, December.
    19. Samuel Mayanja & Joseph M. Ntayi & John C. Munene & Waswa Balunywa & James R. K. Kagaari, 2021. "Informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 11(1), pages 563-577, December.
    20. Nawal Abdalla Adam & Ghadah Alarifi, 2021. "Innovation practices for survival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the COVID-19 times: the role of external support," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-22, December.
    21. Ayman Abu-Rumman & Ata Shraah & Faisal Al-Madi & Tasneem Alfalah, 2021. "Entrepreneurial networks, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance of small and medium enterprises: are dynamic capabilities the missing link?," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, December.
    22. Kim Klyver & Dennis Foley, 2012. "Networking and culture in entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(7-8), pages 561-588, September.
    23. Denis A. Grégoire & Andrew C. Corbett & Jeffery S. McMullen, 2011. "The Cognitive Perspective in Entrepreneurship: An Agenda for Future Research," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48, pages 1443-1477, September.
    24. Saras D. Sarasvathy & Sankaran Venkataraman, 2011. "Entrepreneurship as Method: Open Questions for an Entrepreneurial Future," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 35(1), pages 113-135, January.
    25. Mandakini Das & Nivedita Goswami, 2019. "Effect of entrepreneurial networks on small firm performance in Kamrup, a district of Assam," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 9(1), pages 1-14, December.
    26. Song, Geunhye & Min, Sujin & Lee, Seungmin & Seo, Yongseok, 2017. "The effects of network reliance on opportunity recognition: A moderated mediation model of knowledge acquisition and entrepreneurial orientation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 98-107.
    27. Mariëtte Kaandorp & Elco van Burg & Tomas Karlsson, 2020. "Initial Networking Processes of Student Entrepreneurs: The Role of Action and Evaluation," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(3), pages 527-556, May.
    28. Denise E. Fletcher, 2006. "Entrepreneurial processes and the social construction of opportunity," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(5), pages 421-440, September.
    29. Ben M. Bensaou & Charles Galunic & Claudia Jonczyk-Sédès, 2014. "Players and Purists: Networking Strategies and Agency of Service Professionals," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(1), pages 29-56, February.
    30. Samuel Mayanja & Joseph M. Ntayi & J.C. Munene & Waswa Balunywa & Arthur Sserwanga & James R.K. Kagaari, 2019. "Informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Kampala, Uganda: The mediating role of ecologies of innovation," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 1617020-161, January.
    31. Ramachandran, K. & Ramnarayan, S., 1993. "Entrepreneurial orientation and networking: Some Indian evidence," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 8(6), pages 513-524, November.
    32. Gerard George & D. Robley Wood & Raihan Khan, 2001. "Networking strategy of boards: implications for small and medium-sized enterprises," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(3), pages 269-285, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Samuel Mayanja & Joseph M. Ntayi & John C. Munene & Waswa Balunywa & James R. K. Kagaari, 2021. "Informational differences and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 11(1), pages 563-577, December.
    2. Samuel Mayanja & Michael Omeke & Josue Vajeru Tibamwenda & Henry Mutebi & Fredrick Mufta, 2021. "The mediating role of the novelty ecosystem between personality traits, entrepreneurial networks and entrepreneurial ambidexterity among small and medium enterprises," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 11(1), pages 379-395, December.
    3. Engel, Yuval & Kaandorp, Mariëtte & Elfring, Tom, 2017. "Toward a dynamic process model of entrepreneurial networking under uncertainty," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 35-51.
    4. Tamara Galkina & Irina Atkova, 2020. "Effectual Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamic and Structural Factors of Emergence," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(5), pages 964-995, September.
    5. Lavlu Mozumdar & Geoffrey Hagelaar & Valentina C. Materia & S. W. F. Omta & Mohammad Amirul Islam & Gerben Velde, 2019. "Embeddedness or Over-Embeddedness? Women Entrepreneurs’ Networks and Their Influence on Business Performance," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(5), pages 1449-1469, December.
    6. Erik Lundmark & Anna Krzeminska & Dean A. Shepherd, 2019. "Images of Entrepreneurship: Exploring Root Metaphors and Expanding Upon Them," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 43(1), pages 138-170, January.
    7. Becker, Kai & Ebbers, Joris J. & Engel, Yuval, 2024. "Going online: Peer entrepreneur networks in a startup accelerator before and during the COVID-19 pandemic," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    8. Smith, Claudia & Smith, J. Brock & Shaw, Eleanor, 2017. "Embracing digital networks: Entrepreneurs' social capital online," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 18-34.
    9. Howell, Travis, 2022. "Coworking spaces: An overview and research agenda," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(2).
    10. Sufyan, Muhammad & Degbey, William Y. & Glavee-Geo, Richard & Zoogah, Baniyelme D., 2023. "Transnational digital entrepreneurship and enterprise effectiveness: A micro-foundational perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    11. Jiahao Zhuang & Hongyi Sun, 2024. "Perceived Institutional Environment and Entrepreneurial Behavior: The Mediating Role of Risk-Taking Propensity and Moderating Role of Human Capital Factors," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(1), pages 21582440241, February.
    12. Brice Dattée & James Barlow, 2017. "Multilevel Organizational Adaptation: Scale Invariance in the Scottish Healthcare System," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 28(2), pages 301-319, April.
    13. Dossou, Smith A.R. & Aoudji, Augustin K. N. & Vissoh, Pierre & Zannou, Afio, 2021. "Effect of Social Networks and Performance of Young Women Agribusiness Owners in a Developing Country: The Moderating Effect of Business Environment," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315361, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    14. Bill McKelvey & Benyamin B. Lichtenstein & Pierpaolo Andriani, 2012. "When organisations and ecosystems interact: toward a law of requisite fractality in firms," International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(1/2), pages 104-136.
    15. Antonio Rafael Ramos-Rodriguez & Salustiano Martinez-Fierro & Jose Aurelio Medina-Garrido & Jose Ruiz-Navarro, 2023. "Global Entrepreneurship Monitor versus Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics: comparing their intellectual structures," Papers 2401.13684, arXiv.org.
    16. Ekinci, Esra & Mangla, Sachin Kumar & Kazancoglu, Yigit & Sarma, P.R.S. & Sezer, Muruvvet Deniz & Ozbiltekin-Pala, Melisa, 2022. "Resilience and complexity measurement for energy efficient global supply chains in disruptive events," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    17. Ahmet Cengiz Ucar & Lutfihak Alpkan & Meral Elci, 2021. "The Effects of Person–Organization Fit and Turnover Intention on Employees’ Creative Behavior: The Mediating Role of Psychological Ownership," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(4), pages 21582440211, December.
    18. Cheng, Zhiming & Smyth, Russell, 2021. "Education and migrant entrepreneurship in urban China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 506-529.
    19. Forsström-Tuominen, Heidi & Jussila, Iiro & Kolhinen, Johanna, 2015. "Business school students’ social construction of entrepreneurship: Claiming space for collective entrepreneurship discourses," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 102-120.
    20. Mariëtte Kaandorp & Elco van Burg & Tomas Karlsson, 2020. "Initial Networking Processes of Student Entrepreneurs: The Role of Action and Evaluation," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(3), pages 527-556, May.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:jglont:v:14:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s40497-023-00375-z. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.