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Filling the Entrepreneurial Orientation–Performance Gap: The Mediating Effects of Exploratory and Exploitative Innovations

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  • Tobias Kollmann
  • Christoph Stöckmann

Abstract

Drawing on previous literature proposing that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) reflects a disposition toward, rather than actual involvement in, entrepreneurial activity, and on the resource–based view of the firm, we complement the literature concerning the EO–performance relationship with the introduction of exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation as mediating variables accounting for entrepreneurial behavior. Data from 228 adolescent companies indicate the existence of an EO–entrepreneurial behavior gap and support the predicted mediating effects. In this context, the constituent dimensions of EO differ in their effects on exploration and exploitation, and performance, calling for an exacting consideration of the interplay of orientation, activity, and performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Tobias Kollmann & Christoph Stöckmann, 2014. "Filling the Entrepreneurial Orientation–Performance Gap: The Mediating Effects of Exploratory and Exploitative Innovations," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 38(5), pages 1001-1026, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:38:y:2014:i:5:p:1001-1026
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2012.00530.x
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    8. Quang-Huy Ngo, 2023. "The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SMEs’ Performance in a Transitional Economy: The Mediating Role of Differentiation Advantages and Innovation Capability," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, October.
    9. Oerlemans, Leon & Chan, K.Y. & Knoben, Joris & Vermeulen, P.A.M., 2018. "Structural and geographical conditions for exploitative innovation : Evidence from South African manufacturing firms," Other publications TiSEM 4abcf615-a0d4-49ef-ba25-c, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    10. Salem AlAbri & Seyedeh Khadijeh Taghizadeh & Golam Mostafa Khan & Syed Abidur Rahman, 2022. "Exploratory innovation, exploitative innovation and operational performance: influence of informal social relations in environmental competitiveness," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1223-1244, June.
    11. Wales, William J. & Kraus, Sascha & Filser, Matthias & Stöckmann, Christoph & Covin, Jeffrey G., 2021. "The status quo of research on entrepreneurial orientation: Conversational landmarks and theoretical scaffolding," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 564-577.
    12. Unai Arzubiaga & Amaia Maseda & Txomin Iturralde, 2019. "Entrepreneurial orientation in family firms: New drivers and the moderating role of the strategic involvement of the board," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 44(1), pages 128-152, February.
    13. Ghantous, Nabil & Alnawas, Ibrahim, 2020. "The differential and synergistic effects of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on hotel ambidexterity," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    14. González L., Ana C. & Rodríguez, Yeny E. & Gómez, Juan M. & Chávez, Helmuth & Chea, Jaly, 2021. "Family business risk-taking and financial performance: Is it easier said than done?," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(4).
    15. Kohtamäki, Marko & Heimonen, Jesse & Sjödin, David & Heikkilä, Vili, 2020. "Strategic agility in innovation: Unpacking the interaction between entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity by using practice theory," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 12-25.

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