Exploring Entrepreneurial Marke ng Orientation; It's Effects on SME's Performance in Etsako-West L.G.A, Edo State

This empirical research paper investigates the role of entrepreneurial marketing orientation and its effects on SME performance in Etsako-West LGA, Edo State. The paper has two research objectives, two research questions, and two hypotheses respectively.

The research used a descriptive survey design to allow for the collection of quantitative data from respondents using structured questionnaires designed on a 5-point Likert-Scale of Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Undecided (3), Disagree (2), Strongly Disagree (1). The questionnaires were administered physically to respondents after obtaining their consents.

The population comprises 150 owners and managers of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Etsako-West Local Government Area, Edo state selected through a random sampling method. Data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, were used to summarize the data, and using ANOVA, Model summary, and Coefficients to test hypotheses. Results were interpreted at a 0.05 significance level, ensuring the reliability and validity of findings through rigorous statistical methods.

Findings reveal that Entrepreneurial Marketing Orientation (EMO) has a statistically significant impact on the performance of SMEs in Etsako-West Local Government Area, while there is a moderately strong positive relationship between Entrepreneurial Marketing Strategy (EMS) and the performance of SMEs. The researcher suggests enhanced entrepreneurial marketing training and support, and leveraging technology and digital platforms to improve performance of SMEs in the Etsako-West Local Government Area.