Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Performance: The Role of Organizational Learning Capability and Innovation Performance

Abstract

This research contributes to the entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–performance literature by offering a wider picture that includes two intermediate steps: organizational learning capability (OLC) and innovation performance. This study also provides an explanation of intra‐industry firm performance differences by focusing on EO. We use structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses on a data set from talian and panish ceramic tile producers. The results support our conceptual model and demonstrate its usefulness in explaining differences in intra‐industry firm performance. Findings suggest that OLC and innovation performance should be enhanced by managers in order to boost the positive EO–performance link.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Valencian Institute of Economic Studies (IVIE‐2008) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (ECO2008‐00729) for their financial support for this research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joaquín Alegre

Joaquín Alegre is professor of innovation management in the Department of Management “Juan José Renau Piqueras” at the University of Valencia.

Ricardo Chiva

Ricardo Chiva is professor of human resource management in the Department of Business Administration and Marketing at the University Jaume I.