Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Market Orientation and Total Quality Management on Performance Evidence from Saudi SMEs

• Main Authors: Ali, Gamal Abdualmajed, Abdullah, Haim Hilman, Gorondutse, Abdullahi Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Publishing Limited 2020
• Subjects: HF Commerce
• Online Access: https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/28699/1/BAIJ%2027%2001%202020%201503-1531.pdf; https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/28699/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

This study aims to examine the joint effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), total quality management (TQM) and organizational performance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA's) small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a quantitative research design. A total of 393 questionnaires were distributed to and collected from owners/managers of SMEs in KSA to acquire requisite data for examining the hypothesized model of the study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyses the research data. Findings: The results indicate that EO, MO and TQM are positively and significantly related to the organizational performance of SMEs. In addition, the findings reveal that TQM has contributed the most to the enhancement of organizational development, which is followed by EO and finally, MO. Practical implications: Developing economies consider SMEs as an approach to generate new jobs and enhance economic growth. The results provide owners/managers, practitioners and academicians with an enhanced understanding of the relationship and effects of EO, MO and TQM on organizational performance, particularly in the SME sector. Thus, owners/managers are guided to develop improved and further effective decisions for the implementation of TQM practices with strong EO and MO. Consequently, firms realize superior performance and continuously compete within their market. Originality/value: From the perspective of developing countries, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the effects of EO, MO, TQM and SMEs' performance. This study is the first to empirically examine the SME sector within the KSA's economy regarding the new orientation among decision makers in terms of increasing the significance of non-oil activities. This study also confirms the usability of resource-based view theory and strategic orientations variables in the KSA SMEs.