Abstract

URBAN, B  and  OOSTHUIZEN, JH. An empirical analysis of corporate entrepreneurship in the South African mining industry. JCMAN [online]. 2009, vol.6, n.1, pp.170-192. ISSN 1815-7440.

The South African mining industry faces unique challenges to remain sustainable. A sustainable competitive advantage can be achieved through continuous innovation and the creation of new ideas, often termed as corporate entrepreneurship. This article undertakes a multi-disciplinary investigation, where corporate entrepreneurship is interrogated as it permeates the entire firm, and contributes to the overall performance of an organisation. Based on a consolidation of various theories, models and frameworks, several constructs are identified in order to measure corporate entrepreneurship. A sample of 103 respondents at the managerial level is surveyed and descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that levels of intrapreneurship are mediocre, although effect sizes indicate practical significance. Specific recommendations are made how each of the dimensions constituting corporate entrepreneurship can be enhanced.

Keywords : Corporate entrepreneurship; intrapreneurship; firm innovation; leadership; mining industry.

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