Date of Award
Summer 7-2-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Business Administration (Business Management)
Department
Coles College of Business - Michael A. Leven School of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Hospitality
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Birton Cowden
Second Advisor
Dr. Steven Phalen
Third Advisor
Dr. Shelby Meek
Abstract
Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) measures the tendency of decision-making processes to support entrepreneurial activities that show innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking. EO has been closely examined for its potential to improve firms' performance. It's noted, however, that the detailed connections of EO on various levels and their effects on firm performance are areas that have received less attention. This dissertation seeks understand how EO across different levels influence firm performance, utilizing a multilevel modeling approach.
Although research has covered EO at the firm, team, and individual levels, the interactions among these levels remain largely unexplored. Understanding how various levels of EO interact is seen as key to boosting firm performance. The study aims to identify the lower-level elements that contribute to EO and, subsequently, to firm performance. By studying these components, firms are positioned to improve their EO and performance. Thus, examining these foundational constructs is essential for grasping the mechanisms that dictate the relationship between EO and firm performance.
To examine the multilevel aspects of EO, the research methodology gathered surveys from companies and their employees, analyzing the data using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). This approach involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, data gathering, and multilevel modeling analysis to uncover the nuanced influences of EO at various levels on firm performance. Understanding the multi-level aspects of EO will enable firms to devise effective strategies for performance enhancement.