Abstract:
This study investigated the
effect of EO on the performance of small enterprises in Abuja, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to
specifically assess the effect of the dimensions of EO viz. autonomy, innovativeness, proactiveness and risktaking on the business performance of small enterprises in Abuja. The study made use of a survey research
design to target a population of 2750 small enterprises in Abuja. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample
size of 349 was obtained. Of the questionnaires randomly issued to the small enterprises, 338 were completed
and returned representing a 96.84% response rate. The questionnaires contained closed-ended questions
that were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple
linear regression. Arising from the result, the regression model was significant at 0.000 with the calculated
value greater than the critical value (16.910>2.399), hence, the null hypothesis was rejected. It was
concluded that, overall, EO has a significant effect on business performance. However, of the dimensions
tested, autonomy is insignificant, while innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking are significant. The
study recommends that entrepreneurial development initiative that aims at building the EO dimensions of
small enterprises should focus on innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking, rather than autonomy.
