The Mediating Effect of Organisational Culture on the Relationship Between Intrapreneurial Orientation and Employee Commitment in Small Business Performance

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyses the influence of employee intrapreneurial orientation and employee commitment on the performance of small enterprises in Ghana, an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach, employing a predictive research design, was utilised. The study administered structured questionnaires to a randomly selected sample of 320 employees from small enterprises in Sunyani Municipality. The data collected were analysed using SEM to determine the relationships among the variables. Findings: The findings demonstrate that employee intrapreneurial orientation has a positive impact on enterprise performance, both directly and indirectly, through organisational culture. Additionally, employee commitment significantly moderates the positive association between employee intrapreneurial orientation and enterprise performance, thus enhancing the positive impact of intrapreneurial activities on enterprise success. Research Limitation: The study’s limitation is its focus on small businesses in a single area, the Sunyani Municipality in Ghana. Sunyani's socioeconomic and cultural elements may not fully represent the situation in other places, limiting the relevance of the results in other settings. Practical implications: The results suggest that small enterprise owners should restructure their organisational practices to promote intrapreneurial activities among employees. Social implication: The research emphasises the potential of small enterprises to boost local economic growth, create jobs, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship; thus, their success can increase social cohesion and resilience, ultimately improving local economies. Originality/value: By highlighting the importance of organisational culture and employee commitment as mediating and moderating factors, the study provides valuable insights for managers of small businesses and policymakers seeking to enhance enterprise performance through strategic employee engagement.