Spurring entrepreneurial intensity through social capital and relationship quality

Background: The rapid increase in the pace of globalisation has been met with increased calls for sustainability as a means to entrepreneurship development. As entrepreneurship and sustainability continue to gain recognition, entrepreneurial intensity has emerged as a critical component of the ecosystem. The entrepreneurial intensity notion conceptualised the extent and frequency of innovation, risk taking, and proactiveness within an organisation. Aim: This study investigated how social interaction and relationship quality, referred to as social capabilities, influences entrepreneurial intensity. Setting: The population comprised all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. An online questionnaire constructed using Google Docs was posted on Masvingo centred Facebook and WhatsApp groups from 15 October 2018 to 19 December 2018. Methods: Based on an extensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature, hypotheses were formulated and then tested using the structural equation modelling framework. The study was based on a sample of 312 SMEs selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Results: The study results back the propositions that social interaction and relationship quality are strongly and positively related to entrepreneurial intensity. Conclusion: In light of the findings, several recommendations are made, but generally, to promote superior innovativeness, risk taking and proactiveness, firms must concentrate on steering up and refining their social capabilities.