Work

The Value of Directive Management Among High-Tech SMEs: An Entrepreneurial Orientation Approach

Year: 2026

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Empirical studies have often found that the exhibition of an entrepreneurial orientation (EO) promotes firm growth. However, specific management-related factors that strengthen the relationship between EO and firm growth – in particular, the managerial approaches and philosophies that facilitate the effectiveness of EO – have received relatively little attention by researchers. Using data from 136 manufacturing-based small-to-medium-size enterprises (SMEs) operating in the high-tech sector, we theorize and test that the relationship between EO and sales growth rate is promoted in the presence of “directive management,” which we define as a specific management planning and control philosophy. Our results indicate that the relationship between EO and sales growth rate is strengthened among high-tech SMEs that exhibit tight control over their new product-market initiatives and embrace stable, long-term business objectives.

Source: Journal of Small Business Strategy

DOI: 10.53703/001c.151226

Authors: Katrina Brownell, Jeffrey Covin, Mark Simon

Institutions: University of Wyoming, University of Michigan–Flint

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7125901093