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Unlocking the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance: A systematic review

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Lu

    (City University of Macau)

  • Peixin Zuo

    (City University of Macau)

  • José C. Alves

    (City University of Macau)

  • Jinliang Wang

    (City University of Macau)

Abstract

We conduct a systematic review of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and international performance (IP), considering articles published between 2001 and 2022. Intuitively, one would expect that EO would have a positive impact on IP, and previous empirical studies support this notion. However, there is also evidence that EO is not always associated with successful IP. To further understand the complexity of the relationship between EO and IP, we develop three integrative frameworks that synthesize its mechanism. More importantly, two emerging findings from the retrieved papers are worth discussing. One of the key findings of our review is that there is an indirect relationship between EO and IP, independent of the direct relationship between these two constructs. Additionally, we find that different combinations of EO dimensionality and IP measurement can result in a diverse and complex relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance. Finally, contributions, limitations, and directions for future research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Lu & Peixin Zuo & José C. Alves & Jinliang Wang, 2023. "Unlocking the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance: A systematic review," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 464-504, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jinten:v:21:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10843-023-00340-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10843-023-00340-7
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