Entrepreneurial Proactiveness and Sustenance of General Service SMEs in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial proactiveness on the sustenance of general service SMEs in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to collect empirical data from SME operators. The target population consisted of 21,187 general service SMEs across Nigeria, from which a sample of 393 operators was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Primary data were gathered through a structured questionnaire, and hypotheses were tested using simple regression analysis. The findings revealed that Entrepreneurial proactiveness has a positive and significant effect on the sustenance of general service SMEs (β = 0.858, p = 0.000). In conclusion, SMEs that consistently engage in proactive practices can maintain strategic stability and continue operations even during periods of financial or market strain. The study recommends that managers of general service SMEs should develop systems and routines that allow for anticipation of market changes and customer needs to ensure long-term operational continuity.