Informal Institutions and Entrepreneurial Orientation: An Exploratory Investigation into Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract:This study explores the informal institutions in Vietnam and their impact on entrepreneurial orientation of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 21 SMEs in Hanoi2, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. The research findings suggest the important role of informal institutions in the context of Vietnam. Specifically, two main components of informal institutions, corruption and institutional trust, are found to have effects on entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs. The research findings are discussed and implications for SME managers and policy makers are provided.