Leveraging Strategic Human Resource Management and Entrepreneurial Orientation for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Abstract
This study examined the influence of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) practices on entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable growth of micro-enterprises in Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of training and development and performance management on entrepreneurial orientation and enterprise growth, while also examining the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized quantitative data collected from owners and managers of registered micro-enterprises in Abuja. A sample size of 420 respondents was determined using Yamane’s sampling formula, while 344 valid questionnaires were analyzed, representing an 81.9% response rate. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, while data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the aid of SPSS and AMOS. The findings revealed that training and development significantly influenced entrepreneurial orientation, while performance management also exerted a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial orientation. Furthermore, entrepreneurial orientation significantly influenced enterprise growth. The mediation analysis showed that entrepreneurial orientation partially mediated the relationship between SHRM practices and enterprise growth. The study concluded that SHRM practices enhanced innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking behaviour, thereby promoting sustainable growth among micro-enterprises in Abuja. The study recommended increased investment in employee training, formal performance management systems, and entrepreneurial development programmes to strengthen enterprise competitiveness and sustainability.