Entrepreneurial alertness and new venture performance: Facilitating roles of networking capability. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adomako, Samuel; Danso, Albert; Boso, Nathaniel; Narteh, Bedman
• Is Part Of: International small business journal. Volume 36:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 472
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: developing economy -- entrepreneurial alertness -- networking capability -- new venture performance; Small business -- Periodicals; 338.64205
• DOI: 10.1177/0266242617747667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-2426

Abstract

An ability to act upon an entrepreneurial opportunity is a major driver of new venture success. However, scholarly knowledge is limited on how and when entrepreneur alertness to entrepreneurial opportunities drives new venture success. This article addresses this gap arguing that variations in new venture performance are a function of levels of entrepreneurial alertness and networking capabilities. Using primary data gathered from 203 new ventures operating in a sub-Saharan African economy, Ghana, we find that increases in the levels of entrepreneurial alertness are related to increases in new venture performance. Additionally, we find that, under conditions of increased use of social and business networking capabilities, the potency of entrepreneurial alertness as a driver of new venture success is amplified. Theoretical, managerial and policy implications of these findings are discussed.