Title: Bringing back the discourse on entrepreneurial orientation construct: further clarifications on its dimensions

Authors: Tahseen Arshi; Paul Burns; Usha Ramanathan; Michael Zhang

Addresses: American University of Rasal Khaimah, Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE ' University of Bedfordshire, England, UK ' Nottingham Trent University, England, UK ' Nottingham Trent University, England, UK

Abstract: The nomological validity of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) construct is re-examined as the current conceptualisation lacks precise articulation of the construct and its measurement. The validity concern is caused primarily by the innovation dimension. We adopt a critical lens to evaluate the dimensions and associated measures of EO and contribute to the ongoing conversation on EO, by empirically testing its indicators and measures. Data collected from 404 firms in Oman are analysed using a two-step approach, initially conducting EFA and CFA tests, followed by structural equation modelling. The results suggest that innovation orientation significantly improves the clarity of the innovation dimension and is more congruent with EO's conceptualisation. The study further clarifies that EO consists of enabling measures that contribute to the generation of entrepreneurial outputs in corporations. The five-factor EO construct is specified formatively and a comprehensive list of measures is drawn from multiple scales associated with EO research.

Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation; corporate entrepreneurship; innovation; innovation orientation; validity; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2020.110255

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2020 Vol.12 No.4, pp.235 - 257

Received: 30 Sep 2019
Accepted: 26 Jan 2020
Published online: 12 Oct 2020 *

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