Linking entrepreneurial competence and social value creation: mediated moderation effect of process innovation and adaptive capacity

Purpose This paper aims to examine the mediating role of process innovation in the relationship between entrepreneurial competence and social value creation at various levels of adaptive capacity. Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual model is tested on cross-sectional survey data collected from 247 agro-processing firms in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. Findings The results of the study indicate that entrepreneurial competence has a positive impact on social value creation. Moreover, the study highlights that process innovation mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial competence and social value creation. The study did find that, at a higher level of adaptive capacity, the social value will be positive, and at a lower level of adaptive capacity, the social value will be negative. Research limitations/implications Even though agro-processing firms in Ghana, for that matter, Sub-Saharan Africa, are numerous and homogeneous, the study sample was limited to only agro-processing firms in Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. Therefore, generalizing the findings must be done with care. Practical implications Agro-processing entrepreneurs should develop various levels of adaptive capacity in their quest to improve social value creation. These adaptive capacities should focus on adjusting to new technology to resist turbulence, adjusting to market conditions through efficient teamwork, responding effectively to environmental turbulence and ability to effectively evaluate environmental changes. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution by offering empirical evidence from an African economy, shedding light on the effectiveness of adaptive capacity and process innovation on social value creation.