ENTREPRENEURSHIP MINDSET AND BUSINESS REPUTATION NEXUS IN AGRO-BASED SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SOUTH- SOUTH NIGERIA; EVIDENCE FROM PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES-STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial mindset and business reputation nexus among agro-based small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in South-South Nigeria. Entrepreneurial mindset was conceptualized through risk acceptance, entrepreneurial optimism, and entrepreneurial persistence. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. Primary data were obtained from 145 top management personnel of agro-based SMEs using structured questionnaires. The hypotheses were tested with Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS version 4.1.1.5.Findings revealed that risk acceptance had little influence on reputation, suggesting that risk-taking alone did not guarantee credibility. Entrepreneurial optimism significantly enhanced reputation, indicating that positive thinking and confidence promote stakeholder trust. Entrepreneurial persistence had limited support on reputation implying that consistency must be complemented with visibility and strategic communication. The study concluded that optimism and persistence are critical drivers of business reputation, while unstructured risk-taking has minimal impact. It recommended that SME managers adopt calculated risk-taking supported by feasibility studies, foster optimism through mentorship and communication, and institutionalize persistence via goal-setting and recognition systems
This article is available as a PDF download
Published in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING, FINANCE AND TAXATION
ISSN: 3027-0378
This article appears in our peer-reviewed academic journal
View JournalRelated Articles
Explore similar research in our collection
INFLUENCE OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICS ON MULTIDIMENSIONAL INVESTMENT FRAUD PREVENTION: EVIDENCE FROM PROFESSIONAL FORENSIC EXPERTS IN NIGERIA
Foluke Rachael Oduwole, Alexander Tunde Oguntuase
Jul 21, 2026
This study examined the influence of Forensic Accounting Intelligence Analytics (FAIA) on investment...
View ArticleBANKS’ CREDITS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA A SECTORAL ALLOCATION APPROACH
Mgbataogu, Ifeanyi S.(PhD), Omire Chinweuba C. (PhD), Ikue-john, Tamny S. (DBA)
Jun 27, 2026
Acknowledging the significance of bank credits as a veritable avenue through which the gap in the av...
View ArticleCorporate Social Responsibility, Audit Quality and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.
Aiyesan O.O
Jun 26, 2026
The study examined the influence of corporate social responsibility, audit quality and financial per...
View Article