Organizational culture and entrepreneurial orientation: examination through a new conceptualization lens

Abstract

To enrich understanding of the causes of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), we examine whether and how EO is rooted in organizational culture. Following a new conceptualization of EO and based on data from 269 Mexican firms, we theorize and find that organizational culture is a strategic resource that firms can use to cultivate EO and this influence is more transmitted through firms' entrepreneurial behaviors than through managers' attitude towards risk. Further, this process is moderated by firms' strategic planning. We hope that our study demonstrates the promise of the new conceptualization of EO and stimulates more research towards the EO antecedent direction. We also hope that the results help improving the understanding and contextualization of EO in an under-studied area --Latin America.