The interplay of corporate entrepreneurship, knowledge acquisition, knowledge-based resources and SME performance

Abstract

The role of interorganizational alliances in the linkage between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and SME performance has been mostly ignored in the literature. This study aims to address this gap by recognizing how interorganizational alliances can contribute to sustaining entrepreneurial activities of companies based on knowledge-based view. The study deployed a sample of SME managers to examine whether acquiring knowledge from alliances among companies shapes the potential for wealth creation by CE activities. Through applying structural equation models (SEMs), the findings show that CE and the acquiring Knowledge generate positive influences on performance. Moreover, the research indicates that acquiring knowledge negatively impacts the connection between CE and performance, and this impact differs depending on the quantity of knowledge-related resources available to the companies. This article also sets out relevant implications for the theory and practice of CE.