Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientations on Organizational Learning in a Manufacturing Firm in Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of entrepreneur orientation and entrepreneurship has always been spoken of as being key factor in organisational learning and performance. The contention has been that entrepreneurial firms take more risks than other types of firms. An objective of the study therefore, is to determine the true position and appropriateness of the above view The study intends also to ascertain whether risk –taking behavior, proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness jointly and independently predict entrepreneurial innovativeness and the relationships of these variables.The data for the study was collected through questionnaire administered on different categories of staff of Unilever Nig. Plc. The data collected was analysed using multiple regression, frequency counts, percentages and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The result of the study indicated that entrepreneurial orientation as measured by risk taking behaviour, proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness has positive and significant impact on organizational learning. The conclusion from the study is that the enterprises especially small and medium scale ones, must learn and apply knowledge of such learning to adjustment strategies in order to take advantage of emerging opportunities. It is recommended that given the increasing volatility of enterprise operating environment enterprises need to continually increase their coping ability through learning.