The impact of entrepreneurial orientation on the Australian automotive components industry

This study found that all Lumpkin and Dess' (1996) Entrepreneurial Orientation EO dimensions impacted on firm performance within the Australian Automotive Components industry. Proactiveness was identified as the dominant dimension in terms of improving firm performance though it followed a reactive approach rather than providing first mover advantage. Competitive aggressiveness represented the need to continually monitor and control the supply base whilst risk taking met the definition of calculated and moderated types. Innovation was driven by quickly responding to customer demands and having in-house research and development units. There was difficulty in assessing autonomy due in part to most of the organisations surveyed being constrained by overseas boards.