Factor affecting innovativeness of small and medium enterprises in the five southern border provinces

Authors

  • Kritsadee Phuangrod Faculty of Management Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
  • Sanguan Lerkiatbundit Department of Pharmacy Administration, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
  • Somnuk Aujiraponpan Walailak Management School, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand

Keywords:

entrepreneurs, innovativeness, small and medium enterprises, structural equation modeling

Abstract

     This study tested a model of factors affecting the innovativeness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the five southern border provinces using structural equation modeling. Data on innovativeness and its hypothesized antecedents were collected using questionnaires that were mailed to a study sample of 283 entrepreneurs in SMEs in the five southern border provinces. The fit indices showed that the proposed model had a good fit (χ2  = 207.99, df = 96, GFI = 0.92, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.064, 90% RMSEA = 0.052-0.076, NNFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.98 and SRMR = 0.051). Learning orientation and proactiveness had direct effects on innovativeness, with significant path coefficients of 0.30 and 0.63, respectively. Networking and risk-taking showed indirect effects on innovativeness with path coefficients of 0.63 and 0.48, respectively. The research results can be used to set the guidelines for entrepreneurs to build innovativeness in their enterprises by creating a learning culture/behavior in the organization, building proactiveness, creating a business network with government and the private sector, as well as having courage to take risks when there is an opportunity.

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Published

23-08-2017

How to Cite

Phuangrod, K., Lerkiatbundit, S., & Aujiraponpan, S. (2017). Factor affecting innovativeness of small and medium enterprises in the five southern border provinces. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 38(3), 204–211. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/kjss/article/view/242719

Issue

Section

Research articles