Data for exploring the effect of professionalization, risk orientation and technological innovation on business performance

This sample of 310 Spanish SMEs was selected in SABI database through the principles of stratified sampling for finite populations. The sample was segmented by activity and size. The estimation of the sample considered a relative frequency of answers in a specific item is p = 0.5, to a maximum error of 5.6% at a confidence level of 95%. Data were collected through telephone surveys from October 2016 to January 2017. The survey was carried out personally with managers. The questionnaire was performed as follows:

Professionalization:

In relation to the professionalization of internal processes in the company, please indicate your degree of agreement with the following statements
Prof_1 There is a formally established organisational structure
Prof_2 There is a formalised staff performance and incentive system in place
Prof_3 There is an annual schedule and follow-up of management team meetings

Risk-taking
In relation to the risk-taking propension, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements
Risk_1 I have a strong propensity for high-risk projects
Risk_2 I believe that knowing the environment, bold and far-reaching actions are necessary to achieve the company's objectives
Risk_3 When faced with decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, I normally adopt a bold and aggressive stance in order to maximise the probability of exploiting potential opportunities.

Technological innovation
The evolution of your company over the last two years, and compared to other companies in your sector, can be rated in relation to your company's products and services
Tech_1 The number of new products or services introduced by your company per year
Tech_2 The pioneering nature of your company's introduction of new products or services
Tech_3 The speed of response to the introduction of new products or services by other companies in the sector
The evolution of your company during the last two years, and comparing it with the rest of the companies in your sector, can be qualified in relation to the following processes
Tech_4 The number of process changes your company introduces per year
Tech_5 The pioneering nature of your company is introducing new processes
Tech_6 Speed of response to the introduction of new processes by other companies in the sector

Performance
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements, taking the competition as a reference
Perf_1 Offers higher quality products
Perf_2 Has more efficient internal processes
Perf_3 Has more satisfied customers
Perf_4 Adapts earlier to market changes
Perf_5 It is growing more
Perf_6 It is more profitable