Positive deviance, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking, Samuel Mayanja, Prof. Joseph Ntayi, John Munene, James Kagaari, Waswa Balunywa and Laura Orobia
Samuel Ssekajja Mayanja
Department of Business and Management
Cavendish University Uganda, Kampala
Uganda
Email: smayanja@cavendish.ac.ug
Prof. Joseph Mapeera Ntayi
Department of Procurement and Supply chain
Makerere University, Kampala
Uganda
John C. Munene
Department of Human Resource Management
Makerere University, Kampala
Uganda
James R.K. Kagaari
Kyambogo University, Kampala
Uganda
Waswa Balunywa
Department of Entrepreneurship
Makerere University, Kampala
Uganda
Laura Orobia
Makerere University, Kampala
Uganda
DOI: 10.1108/WJEMSD-12-2018-0110
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of ecologies of innovation in the relationship between positive deviance (PD) and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey design using quantitative approach was employed in this study. Data were collected with the help of self-administrated questionnaires from 228 SMEs. Systematic sampling technique was used. Multiple regression data were analysed with the help of SPSS software.
Findings: The results indicated that ecologies of innovation partially mediate the relationship between PD and entrepreneurial networking. Besides, PD and entrepreneurial networking are significantly related.
Research limitations/implications: The data were cross-sectional in nature, thus limiting monitoring changes in resources accessed from social networks by entrepreneurs over time.
Practical implications: Managers of SMEs and policy makers should pay more attention to the views of employees with divergent views, ecologies of innovation in creating a conducive environment for creativity and innovation among SMEs.
Originality/value: The study of PD, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking using complexity theory among SMEs in Uganda is a contribution to literature.
Keywords: Positive deviance; Ecologies of innovation; Entrepreneurial networking; Complexity; SMEs.
Citation: Mayanja, S.S., Ntayi, J.M., Munene, J.C., Kagaari, J.R.K., Balunywa, W. and Orobia, L. (2019), "Positive deviance, ecologies of innovation and entrepreneurial networking", World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 308-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-12-2018-0110
