ENTREPRENEURSHIP MINDSET AND BUSINESS REPUTATION NEXUS IN AGRO-BASED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SOUTH- SOUTH NIGERIA; EVIDENCE FROM PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES-STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial mindset and business reputation nexus among agro-based small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in South-South Nigeria. Entrepreneurial mindset was conceptualized through risk acceptance, entrepreneurial optimism, and entrepreneurial persistence. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data were obtained from 145 top management personnel of agro-based SMEs using structured questionnaires. The hypotheses were tested with Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS version 4.1.1.5.Findings revealed that risk acceptance had little influence on reputation, suggesting that risk-taking alone did not guarantee credibility. Entrepreneurial optimism significantly enhanced reputation, indicating that positive thinking and confidence promote stakeholder trust. Entrepreneurial persistence had limited support on reputation implying that consistency must be complemented with visibility and strategic communication. The study concluded that optimism and persistence are critical drivers of business reputation, while unstructured risk-taking has minimal impact. It recommended that SME managers adopt calculated risk-taking supported by feasibility studies, foster optimism through mentorship and communication, and institutionalize persistence via goal-setting and recognition systems
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Published in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING, FINANCE AND TAXATION
ISSN: 3027-0378
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