Differences in approach to selected constructs of entrepreneurial orientation in SME segment regarding the selected socio-demographic factors

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the influence of selected socio-demographic factors (gender, education, size and duration of action of the firm) on the differences in approach to selected constructs of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in the area of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), concretely to innovativeness, proactivity and competitive aggressiveness. According to the various authors, EO represents a key element for the success of SMEs. Earlier studies identified the existence of the relationship between the characteristics of entrepreneurs and business performance of SMEs, but the results were still inconclusive. The paper reveals new aspects of dependences in relation to socio-demographic factors and contributes to the specification of the effects of mutual ties. The findings revealed that the researched entrepreneurs consider innovation policy and a proactive approach to be important but are not considered too competitively aggressive. There were found statistically significant differences in EO constructs, according to the socio-demographic factors.