Personal values and entrepreneurial orientations in Malay entrepreneurs in Malaysia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss how personal values and internal motivation interact to influence entrepreneurial orientations. Personal values and internal motivation are among personal characteristics that have an impact on entrepreneurial orientation. However, these two personal variables are studied in isolation; therefore, how these two interact to influence entrepreneurial orientation is not yet fully understood. Design/methodology/approach This study comprised a sample of Malay-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in the Klang Valley in Malaysia. A cross-sectional research design was used to examine the relationships between personal values, self-efficacy motivation and entrepreneurial orientation among small-scale Malay SMEs. To focus on SMEs, lists were sought from the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). Malay was chosen for this study because Malaysia has a majority of the Malay population compared to other races. Data were gathered based on mailed and personally administered questionnaires. Findings The findings indicate that self-efficacy of Malay SMEs in the Shah Alam area acted as a mediator in the relationship between personal values and entrepreneurial orientation. Malay SMEs were found to have high self-efficacy and entrepreneurial orientation. Practical implications An important implication of this research is that the interesting findings provide some insight to management consultants for focusing on improving the self-efficacy of Malay SMEs, in their training, as this would improve their entrepreneurial orientations. Originality/value The findings are original and unique and are based on established theories from the literature on Malay-based SMEs in Malaysia. The results are based on a sample of Malay-owned SMEs in the Klang Valley in Malaysia. The research findings are useful to academics and policymakers interested in fostering SMEs in Malaysia.