ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCE AND PERFORMANCE OF METAL WORK ARTISANS MINNA METROPOLIS

Abstract

In the dynamic metalwork market of Minna Metropolis, the adoption of an innovative approach has become imperative, given the sector's challenges marked by a decline in sales due to imported products and intensifying competition fueled by the integration of advanced technologies. This categorical problem necessitates a strategic response from metalwork artisans. The study delves into the heart of the matter, emphasizing the insufficiency of entrepreneurial competencies among artisans, particularly in terms of creativity, proactiveness, and networking ability. With a population of 324 artisans, the study collected 296 structured questionnaires, ensuring their quality through validation criteria such as an Average Variance Extracted (AVE) greater than 0.5 and a Cronbach's alpha value exceeding 0.7 for all constructs, thus establishing the reliability of the collected data. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM 4.0) as the method of data analysis, the study reveals significant values (p <= 0.05) of 0.001, 0.000, and 0.031 for creativity, networking ability, and proactiveness, respectively. These entrepreneurial traits are identified as crucial tools for artisans to navigate the challenges posed by imported products and technological advancements. The consequential R-square value of 0.442 unveils the substantial impact (44.2%) that entrepreneurial competence can have on the performance of metalwork artisans in the face of contemporary market challenges. In response to the imperative need for innovation in the market, the study emphatically recommends that artisans elevate their collaborative efforts and creative competencies to not only address declining sales and heightened competition but also to strategically position themselves amidst technological shifts in the metalwork industry.