Sustainable entrepreneurial orientation within an intrapreneurial context: effects on business performance

Abstract

This article studies the effects of sustainable entrepreneurial orientation on business performance within an intrapreneurial context. Even though intrapreneurship is associated with entrepreneurially oriented organizations, researchers do not agree on its relationship with business performance. To that end, the authors suggest an integrated approach to intrapreneurship by building a contingent model with sustainable entrepreneurial orientation as an antecedent. From a dynamic capabilities perspective, this variable refers to a multiple strategic orientation that allows companies to both incorporate sustainability into their strategy and take on an intrapreneurial mindset. The moderating variable proposed is intrapreneurship consequences, which is understood as the result of entrepreneurial activities carried out within the organization. To test the model, measures adapted from the existing literature are used. Hypotheses are tested using the partial least squares method on a multi-sector random sample. The results confirm the direct effect of sustainable entrepreneurial orientation on business performance and the moderating effect of intrapreneurship consequences. However, the inclusion of this moderating effect barely modifies the model’s results. From a theoretical standpoint, the findings provide some advances in sustainable entrepreneurial orientation conceptualization and measurement, sustainable intrapreneurship, the dynamic capabilities perspective, and the multiple strategic orientation view. From a managerial point of view, the findings point to sustainable entrepreneurial orientation as a strategic pillar for organizations in order to promote sustainability and improve their performance. Further research lines are provided.