How does management accounting affect entrepreneurial orientation in SMEs? A structural equation modelling

Management accounting practices (MAP) appear to be a prerequisite for entrepreneurial orientation (EO) to positively influence profitability. In addition, critical capacities are a precondition to develop and maintain MAP. Studies revealed that small and medium enterprises use informal MAP and they generally lack managerial competences (MC) to develop and implement effective control systems to respond to environmental challenges. However, those who develop MC are more likely to implement MAP. The aim of the paper is to analyze the relationship between the use of MAP and the development of EO, where EO is measured through the independent dimensions of innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking. Further, the paper argues that the use of MAP is positively affected by the possession of MC. The paper adopts structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses, focusing on a sample of 339 Italian community pharmacies (response rate 54.6%). Findings support a positive relationship between MC and MAP and between MAP and EO, contributing to a field that is underexplored and providing suggestions for managers, practitioners and educators.