Intra-firm orientations and their influence on firm growth: The case of Russian SMEs

The results of survey of specific sets of deliberate intra-firm activities called intra-firm orientations are discussed in current research paper. The authors distinguish entrepreneurial orientation, change orientation and knowledge orientation. Factor analysis and structure equation modelling methods are used to test the hypotheses of the very existence of intra-firm orientations, their positive influence on firm growth. Also the orientations that dominate in different industries (Retail/Wholesale, HoReCa, IT) are analyzed. The results of the empirical research of 500 Russian SMEs show that at least three orientations exist in each firm. Knowledge orientation and change orientation have positive effect on firm growth. In addition, different orientations are manifested in firms belonging o different industries. Executive Summary is available at page 42.