An assessment of entrepreneurial orientation in the maintenance divisions of a South African steel manufacturer

Abstract

In this study entrepreneurial orientation behaviour, with specific reference to a South African steel manufacturer was examined. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation in the maintenance divisions on the perceived success of a South African steel manufacturer. A literature study was conducted to define entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and the constructs of entrepreneurial orientation. The literature study investigated the characteristics of entrepreneurs as well as the benefits that results from entrepreneurial orientation. The determinants of entrepreneurial orientation and the measuring variables of perceived business success were investigated. An overview of the history, operations, management structure and demographics was given as well as the policies and plans pertaining to the maintenance divisions in the organisation which was the object of the study. The study population for the assessment was selected from the Cold Rolling department of the Vanderbijlpark Works of ArcelorMittal, South Africa. The department consisted of five Steel production plants. Questionnaires were administered to the target group of 267 maintenance employees, of which 174 usable questionnaires were returned on which statistical analysis were conducted. The data was tested for reliability by calculating Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success of the organisation. The demographical data was analysed and presented. Descriptive statistics were calculated from the individual responses and presented for the different variables. The relationship between the gender of the repondents and the different entrepreneurial orientation variables was tested to determine whether there were significant practical differences in the means. Lastly, the influence of entrepreneurial orientation constructs on business success was determined and discussed. Conclusions were drawn from the demographic data as well as the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success. Recommendations based on the assessment of the data, were made on relevant topics supporting the entrepreneurial orientation of maintenance employees in the study population. The suggested action plan was supported by the assessment, conclusions and recommendations that can be used to improve the entrepreneurial orientation and subsequently improve the perceived business success of the organisation. The study is concluded with analysis of the achievement of objectives of the study and suggestions made for further research that can be conducted.