Critique does not equate to rebellion: Positive deviance and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Business Management
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between positive deviance and entrepreneurial networking among
small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Using a mixed method approach combined self-administered
questionnaires and interview guide covering 228 SMEs in Uganda, the cross-sectional nature of this
study revealed key nuances about SMEs. The research findings confirmed a significant positive
relationship between positive deviance and entrepreneurial networking among SMEs in Uganda. The
findings also revealed that: SME owner/ managers should create enabling environment for people with
divergent views to interact with each other to innovate new practices, such as accessing resources
from the networks; managers should initiate new policies for error management to allow employees
room to learn from mistakes; managers should acquire new skills of leadership skills to manage and
utilize the knowledge and skills of positive deviants. This research therefore contributes to existing
scholarship by providing nuances in the study of positive deviance and entrepreneurial networking
among SMEs in Uganda through employing a complexity approach that transcends previous academic
focus on social network theory.
Description
Keywords
Positive deviance, Entrepreneurial networking, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Complexity
Citation
Mayanja, S., Ntayi, JM, Munene, JC, Wasswa, B., & Kibirang, MM (2019). Critique does not equate to rebellion: Positive deviance and entrepreneurial networking among small and medium enterprises in Uganda. African Journal of Business Management , 13 (1), 11-22. DOI: 10.5897/AJBM2018.8693