Social Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance: The Mediating Role of Sustainable Practices and Open Innovation

Abstract

Based on social entrepreneurial theory (SET), this study examines how social entrepreneurial orientation affects social entrepreneurial performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Arab Emirates. It also explores how sustainable practices mediate this relationship, as well as how open innovation mediates the link between sustainable practices and social entrepreneurial performance. This study’s uniqueness stems from its comprehensive approach, examining the combined influence of social entrepreneurial orientation, sustainable practices, and open innovation on the performance of social entrepreneurship within SMEs. By integrating these aspects, the research offers a deeper insight into the underlying dynamics. The findings would offer SME guidance to integrate sustainable practices, fostering societal advancement alongside financial growth. Governments can also learn from this research, encouraging an environment that supports social SMEs for a harmonized economic and social development. Overall, this study envisions SMEs as drivers of positive change, growth, and societal upliftment.

Keywords: Open innovation, Social entrepreneurial orientation, Social entrepreneurial performance, Social entrepreneurial theory, Sustainable practices