Title: Investigating entrepreneurial competency in emerging markets: a thematic analysis

Authors: Mahima Mishra; Abhijit Prakash Deshpande

Addresses: Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University), India ' Board of University Development, Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University), India

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises are critical for the growth of the economy and entrepreneurs play an important role. The study aimed to identify the competencies required for Indian SME's entrepreneurs in the Indian market. A thematic analysis was done using a case-based approach to identify and explore key insights into the entrepreneurial competencies supported by a comprehensive literature review. The survey was conducted based on convenience sampling of SME owners of manufacturing sector. The narratives were used to develop entrepreneurial competencies. For data collection purposes eight competencies related to opportunity, strategic, conceptual, relationship, personal, technical, organisational and leading were used. It was identified that both generic entrepreneurial and specific competencies are necessary to conduct the business and also ensure sustainability in the competitive emerging market. The findings will have an implication for SME owners in terms of acquiring relevant competencies for sustainability and growth of their businesses in emerging market.

Keywords: entrepreneurial competencies; small; medium and micro enterprises; SMEs; sustainability; emerging markets; Indian markets; entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2023.128331

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2023 Vol.33 No.1/2, pp.245 - 265

Received: 21 Nov 2019
Accepted: 11 Feb 2020
Published online: 18 Jan 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article