ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRACTICES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES PERFORMANCE IN MUBI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the entrepreneurship practices and their influence on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mubi South Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, administering questionnaires to 384 SMEs owners. The collected data was analyzed using percentage analysis and linear regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that the coefficients of the effect of entrepreneurship opportunity identification on SMEs performance were statistically significant and positive (β = 0.690, t = 6.605, p < 0.05). Similarly, the coefficients of the effect of entrepreneurship attitude on SMEs performance were significant (β = 0.686, t = 14.021, p < 0.05), as were those for entrepreneurship innovation (β = 0.559, t = 6.329, p < 0.05). The study concludes that the entrepreneurship practices has a significant and positive effect on SMEs performance in Mubi South Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs should develop their knowledge in identifying opportunities in their daily business activities, which would help them maintain a positive attitude to meet changing customer demands and increase their independence and ability to think critically about their business. Furthermore, entrepreneurs should cultivate a positive attitude towards their entrepreneurial mindset and idea generation skills to take calculated risks that would yield more profit and profitability in Mubi South Local Government Area.