The relationship between entrepreneurial artifacts and performance of entrepreneurs

Abstract

Abstract This research examines relationships between entrepreneurial artifacts (abstract, material and narrative artifacts) and performance of entrepreneurs. A quantitative research approach and cross-sectional design were employed in this study, from which data were collected from 302 entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The collected data were analyzed by using exploratory factor analysis and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that abstract, material and narrative artifacts have positive significant relationships with the performance of entrepreneurs. Thus, the study confirms that abstract artifacts enhanced strategic clarity and coherence while material artifacts facilitated practical implementation and adaptability, and narrative artifacts strengthened stakeholder communication and engagement which resulted to performance. Among three dimensions of entrepreneurial artifacts, material artifacts were found to have a substantial positive effect on performance. This research extends the theoretical understanding of design-centered entrepreneurship by linking dimensions of entrepreneurial artifacts and performance of entrepreneurs. Also, the paper presents measures of abstract, material, and narrative entrepreneurial artifacts that are relevant and reliable to be employed in future research in the field of entrepreneurship or business context.