Drivers of innovation success in sustainable businesses

Abstract

Based on Stevenson's (1983) modified conceptualisation of entrepreneurship, this study illuminates the set of opportunity-based management practices across organisational levels. This empirical study of 301 employees from four sustainable-oriented organisations contributes to an understanding of the harmonising nature of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation. Overall, Stevenson's construct dimensions include strategic orientation, resource orientation, management structure, reward philosophy, growth orientation and entrepreneurial culture to determine a firm's level of entrepreneurial orientation. The present study confirms the widespread perception that these constructs have a significant, positive impact on a firm's innovation success. The results indicate that these dimensions are significant and positive predictors of perceived innovation success within sustainable businesses, thus expanding entrepreneurial theory with findings of significant impact on the success of innovation. This study's results also add to the research on entrepreneurship–innovation interplays. From a practical perspective, Stevenson's multilevel entrepreneurial approach offers drivers of innovation success in sustainable businesses. Thus, Stevenson's concept of entrepreneurship could be used as a predicting indicator to promote sustainable innovation success throughout different company levels. As this is the first contribution with such a scope, further investigation is required. This article opens a research stream for scholars to further evaluate sustainable entrepreneurship–innovation relationships.