Entrepreneurial Orientation and Organizational Learning: The Impact of Network Range and Network Closure

Abstract

This study develops theoretical propositions regarding the role that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) plays in enhancing an organization's level of acquisitive and experimental learning. It also develops propositions concerning the manner in which a firm's ability to directly link itself to disparate sources of knowledge (network range) impacts the relationship between EO and acquisitive learning, as well as how a firm's ability to maintain a series of strong ties within a network (network closure) impacts the relationship between EO and experimental learning. Finally, propositions are developed regarding how firms can most effectively utilize EO and network participation to maximize levels of organizational learning while conserving their limited resources.