Authors: Lida Kyrgidou, Naoum Mylonas, Evdokia Vacharoglou

Title: The impact of entrepreneurial and managerial core competencies and networking on SMEs success: Surveying female entrepreneurs in Greece

Abstract

Purpose: The study examines factors leading to venture success, placing an emphasis on the role of entrepreneurs as critical in the whole process, based on a sample of women entrepreneurs. Drawing upon the competence-based view of the firm, it examines the effect of entrepreneurial and managerial competencies, and reliance on networks towards increased venture success rates.

Design / methodology / approach: A structured questionnaire was allocated to women entrepreneurs in order to seek respondents’ perceptions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was conducted in order to confirm the constructs’ validity. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to test our hypotheses.

Findings: Networking exerts the most significant positive effect on new venture success, while entrepreneurial and managerial core competencies are both important, with entrepreneurial competencies demonstrating a slightly higher score. In addition, years of entrepreneurial experience, entrepreneurial family background and family status prove significant.

Research implications: The study lends support to prior research, highlighting the role of entrepreneurs as central, sharpening understanding of the required determinants of venture success. It further provides new insight into venture success from the perspective of the competence-based theory, highlighting certain competencies

Practical implications: The study paves the way for the design of entrepreneurial learning programs targeted at entrepreneurs and particularly female owners, highlighting the need for on-going education and educational programs to support entrepreneurs and women in particular.

Originality/value: The study contributes to the effective management of venture progress and success and provides insight to entrepreneurs and policy makers.

Keywords: entrepreneurs’ competencies, networking, venture success, female entrepreneurs