Ecologies of innovation as a mediator between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda

Abstract

This paper examines the mediating role of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between nexus of generative influence and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda. A cross sectional survey design using quantitative approach was employed in this study. Data were collected with the help of self-administrated questionnaire from 228 SMEs. Systematic random sampling technique was used. Multiple regression data were analyzed with the help of SPSS software. The results indicated that ecologies of innovation fully mediates the relationship between nexus of generative and entrepreneurial networking. The data was cross sectional in nature, thus limiting monitoring changes in resources accessed from entrepreneurial networks by entrepreneurs over time. The implications are that, policy makers and managers of SMEs should pay more attention to the role of nexus of generative influence in creating ecologies of innovation, conducive environment for employees to interact with mutual influence to advance creativity and innovation that enhance increased access to resources from entrepreneurial networks. The study of nexus of generative influence, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking using complexity theory among SMEs in Uganda is a contribution to literature.

RÉSUMÉ

Cet article examine le rôle médiateur des écologies de l’innovation dans le rapport entre les liens d’influence générative et la mise en réseau entrepreneuriale parmi les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) en Ouganda. Cette étude a reposé sur un concept d’enquête transversale basé sur une approche quantitative. Les données ont été collectées à l’aide d’un questionnaire auto-administré par 228 PME. Une technique d’échantillonnage aléatoire systématique a été utilisée. Les données de régression multiple ont été analysées à l’aide du logiciel SPSS. Les résultats indiquent que les écologies de l’innovation jouent pleinement le rôle d’une médiation dans le rapport entre les réseaux générateurs et entrepreneuriaux. Les données étaient de nature transversale, limitant ainsi le suivi des changements des ressources auxquelles accèdent les entrepreneurs, au fil du temps et par l’entremise des réseaux d’entreprises. Il en découle que les décideurs politiques et les dirigeants de PME doivent accorder plus d’attention au rôle joué par le lien d’influence générative dans la création des écologies de l’innovation, d’un environnement favorable à l’interaction des employés et d’une influence mutuelle pour faire avancer la créativité et l’innovation qui renforcent l’accès aux ressources des réseaux d’entreprises. L’étude des liens entre l’influence générative, les écologies de l’innovation et la mise en réseau entrepreneuriale, basée sur la théorie de la complexité parmi les PME en Ouganda est une contribution à la littérature

Keywords:

• Nexus of generative influence
• ecologies of innovation
• entrepreneurial networking
• SMEs
• complexity systems leadership theory

MOTS-CLÉS:

• lien d’influence générative
• écologies de l’innovation
• mise en réseau entrepreneurial
• PME
• Théorie du leadership des systèmes complexes

Disclosure statement

The authors have not declared any conflict of interests.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samuel Mayanja

Samuel Mayanja is a lecturer at Cavendish University Uganda. He holds a PhD from Makerere University. He holds MBA, Project Management—Makerere University; PDG Microfinance Operations, Makerere Business School; BBA (Accounting) Makerere University. Sam’s research interests are (a) Entreprenuership; (b) Project Management; (c) Strategic management; and (d) microfinance, Savings and Credit Cooperatives. He has 10 years’ experience in higher education management in Uganda. Sam is a development practitioner in managing integrated programs on Population and Development. He also facilitates small entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in developing economies. He is currently the Chair person for Children at Risk Network in Uganda that advocates for creating a safe environment for children. He is also a chairperson for Special Children Foundation—Children with Special needs.

Joseph M. Ntayi

Professor Dr. Joseph Ntayi is a distinguished international scholar, consultant, and practitioner with a proven professional and ethical track record in Microfinance, Savings and Credit Cooperatives, Corporate Governance, Public Administration and Management and Project Management. Professor Dr. Ntayi is (a) a member of the Emerald Research Network; (b) a member of the International Research for Public Procurement (IRPP); (c) a member of the International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research Association (IPSERA); (d) a member of the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP)—(USA); (e) a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Management; (f) a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM); and (g) a member of the European Union Marketing Association (MEUMA).

J. C. Munene

Professor John C. Munene is a PhD Director at Makerere University Business School. He creates and manages a vision of the PhD Programme. He also provides the strategic foundations of a PhD Programme for a generation of people growing up in an environment of knowledge explosion, a society with a culture that does not automatically reward personal reading as a basis of personal, professional, and academic growth. He develops and implements a programme that converts a younger generation into knowledge transformers rather than knowledge tellers.

Balunywa Wasswa

Professor Waswa Balunywa is highly grounded in entrepreneurship, innovations, and strategic management. He is also a Principal of Makerere University Business School.

James R. K. Kagaari

Associate Professor James RK Kagaari is a lecturer at Kyambogo University and Makerere University Business School. He is the President of the Uganda Council of Psychologists. The International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) honoured him with an award of “Fellow” for his contributions to the growth and development of psychology globally and he served a four-year term as a member of the IAAP Board of Directors. In addition, he is a serving member of the IAAP Task Force on Global Terrorism.