Assessing the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation, Reputational Resources and Absorptive Capability: A Resource-Based Approach

Abstract

Building on well established theories, our research explores the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on reputational resources and absorptive capacity of knowledge exploitation of Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of footwear associated to the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Association (APICCAPS).Therefore, a quantitative methodological approach was used, conducting a descriptive, exploratory and transversal empirical study, having applied a questionnaire to a sample of Portuguese SMEs.Based on survey data from 42 firms, our empirical results indicate that globally entrepreneurial orientation have a positive and significant influence on knowledge exploitation and that the entrepreneurial orientation’s dimensions that most contribute to this end are innovation and risk-taking.Moreover, the processes for exploitation of reputational resources and knowledge became an essential element for firms to adapt to changes in the competitive environment. The exploitation of this resources and capacities should be undertaken with innovation, proactivity and risk-taking.