Entrepreneurial orientation across the Tasman

Whilst the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM: 2005) identifies Australia and New Zealand as having similar rates of total entrepreneurial activity (TEA), introspection into similar business systems across the Tasman are indicative of varying rates of entrepreneurial orientation. This study examines entrepreneurial orientation within a defined franchise system, one in Australia, the other in New Zealand. The objective is to evaluate the degree or rate of entrepreneurial orientation within these two systems, and highlight differences and reasons therefore. Nieman, Hough and Nieuwenhuizen (2003: 11) advise that entrepreneurial orientation is critical to the survival and growth of organisations, notwithstanding the importance to prosperity of economic advantage. They further inform that entrepreneurial orientation is focussed by a unique combination of factors, including culture, role models, family, education, work experience and personal orientation. Personal orientation includes factors such as creativity and innovation, risk taking, autonomy, pro-activeness and achievement orientation.