Researchers in management science are increasingly concerned with the rigour of their research work and their capacity to build knowledge based on a cumulative research model. This article examines the strength of the entrepreneurial orientation construct, extensively used in entrepreneurship and strategy. Based on a close analysis of the seminal literature, the authors propose a critical evaluation of the development of the construct, which is a preliminary condition to enhancing its operationalization.
BrownT. E.DavidssonP.WiklundJ. (2001), ‘An operationalization of Stevenson's conceptualization of entrepreneurship as an opportunity based firm behavior’, Strategic Management Journal, Vol 22, No 10, pp 953–970.
2.
BurgelmanR. A. (1983), ‘A process model of internal corporate venturing in the diversified major firm’, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol 28, pp 223–244.
3.
CogliserC. C.BrighamK. A.LumpkinG. T. (2008), ‘Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) research: A comprehensive review and analyses of theory, measurement, and data-analytic practices’, Entrepreneurship Research Conference, Wellesley, MA.
4.
CovinJ. G.GreenK. M.SlevinD. P. (2006), ‘Strategic process effects on the entrepreneurial orientation–sales growth rate relationship’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol 30, No 1, pp 57–81.
5.
CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (1988), ‘The influence of organization structure on the utility of an entrepreneurial top management style’, Journal of Management Studies, Vol 25, No 3, pp 217–234.
6.
CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (1989), ‘Strategic management of small firms in hostile and benign environments’, Strategic Management Journal, Vol 10, No 1, pp 75–88.
7.
CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (1990), ‘New venture strategic posture, structure and performance: An industry life cycle analysis’, Journal of Business Venturing, Vol 5, No 2, pp 123–135.
8.
CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (1991), ‘A conceptual model of entrepreneurship as firm behaviour’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol 16, No 1, pp 7–25.
9.
CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (1993), ‘A response to Zahra's “critique and extension” of the Covin–Slevin model’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol 17, No 4, pp 2–3.
10.
DessG. G.LumpkinG. T.CovinJ. G. (1997), ‘Entrepreneurial strategy making and firm performance: Test of contingency and configurational models’, Strategic Management Journal, Vol 18, No 9, pp 677–695.
11.
GreenK. M.CovinJ. G.SlevinD. P. (2008), ‘Exploring the relationship between strategic reactiveness and entrepreneurial orientation: The role of structure-style fit’, Journal of Business Venturing, Vol 23, pp 356–383.
12.
KhandwallaP. (1972), ‘Environment and its impact on the organization’, International Studies of Management and Organization, Vol 2, pp 297–313.
13.
KhandwallaP. (1973), ‘Viable and effective organizational designs of firms’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol 16, pp 481–495.
14.
KhandwallaP. (1977), The Design of Organizations, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York.
15.
LumpkinG. T.DessG. G. (1996a), ‘Clarifying the entrepreneurial orientation construct and linking it to performance’, Academy of Management Review, Vol 21, pp 135–172.
16.
LumpkinG. T.DessG. G. (1996b), ‘Enriching the entrepreneurial orientation construct: A reply to “Entrepreneurial orientation or pioneer advantage”’, Academy of Management Review, Vol 21, No 3, pp 605–607.
17.
LumpkinG. T.DessG. G. (2001), ‘Linking two dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation to firm performance’, Journal of Business Venturing, Vol 16, pp 429–451.
18.
LyonD. W.LumpkinG. T.DessG. G. (2000), ‘Enhancing entrepreneurial orientation research: Operationalizing and measuring a key strategic decision making process’, Journal of Management, Vol 26, No 5, pp 1055–1085.
19.
MaH.TanJ. (2006), ‘Key components and implications of entrepreneurship: A 4-P framework’, Journal of Business Venturing, Vol 21, pp 704–725.
20.
MillerD. (1983), ‘The correlates of entrepreneurship in three types of firms’, Management Science, Vol 29, pp 770–791.
21.
MillerD. (1987), ‘Strategy making and structure: Analysis and implications for performance’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol 30, pp 7–32.
22.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1977), ‘Strategy making in context: Ten empirical archetypes’, Journal of Management Studies, Vol 14, pp 253–279.
23.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1978), ‘Archetypes of strategy formulation’, Management Science, Vol 24, pp 294–316.
24.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1980), ‘Momentum and revolution in organizational adaptation’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol 23, No 4, pp 591–614.
25.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1982), ‘Innovation in conservative and entrepreneurial firms’, Strategic Management Journal, pp 1–27.
26.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1983), ‘Strategy making and environment: The third link’, Strategic Management Journal, Vol 4, pp 221–235.
27.
MillerD.FriesenP. H. (1984), ‘A longitudinal study of the corporate life cycle’, Management Science, Vol 30, No 10, pp 1161–1183.
28.
MillerD.De VriesKets M. E.ToulouseR. (1982), ‘Top executive, locus of control, and its relationship to strategy making, structure, and environment’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol 25, No 2, pp 237–253.
29.
MintzbergH. (1973), ‘Strategy making in three modes’, California Management Review, Vol 16, pp 44–58.
30.
MintzbergH.AhlstrandB.LampelJ. (2001), ‘Researching configuration’, in VolberdaH. W.ElfringT., eds, Rethinking Strategy, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA, pp 168–199.
31.
RauchA.WiklundJ.FreseM.LumpkinG. T. (2004), ‘Entrepreneurial orientation and business performance: Cumulative empirical evidence’, Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, Babson College, Wellesley, MA.
32.
SlevinD. P.CovinJ. G. (1990), ‘Juggling entrepreneurial style and organizational structure – how to get your act together’, Sloan Management Review, Vol 31, No 2, pp 43–53.
33.
ZahraS. A. (1993), ‘A conceptual model of entrepreneurship as firm behavior: A critique and extension’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol 17, No 4, pp 5–22.
34.
ZahraS. A.CovinJ. G. (1995), ‘Contextual influences on the corporate entrepreneurship–performance relationship: A longitudinal analysis’, Journal of Business Venturing, Vol 10, No 1, pp 43–58.
35.
ZahraS. A.JenningsD. F.KuratkoD. F. (1999), ‘The antecedents and consequences of firm-level entrepreneurship: The state of the field’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol 24, pp 45–65.
