Entrepreneurial Passion, Adaptive Capability and Strategic Orientation

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial passion for developing and opportunity-based strategic orientation, by considering the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness and the moderating role of adaptive capability. Data from 137 small firms in the southern region of Mexico were collected between August and November 2019, which were analyzed with a moderated mediation method. The results demonstrate that entrepreneurial alertness partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and strategic orientation. The findings also indicate that the indirect effects of entrepreneurial passion on strategic orientation through alertness are moderated by adaptive capability. The originality of this study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and strategy by demonstrating that the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and strategic orientation can be better understood when suitable mediator and moderator variables are included, taking into account the relevant limitations.