Knowledge creation theory of entrepreneurial orientation in social enterprises

This study advances the entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge creation literature by investigating the ways opportunities, motivations, and abilities to knowledge exchange and knowledge creation drive entrepreneurial orientation in social enterprises. Using a pretested and pilot-tested survey questionnaire, data was gathered from 112 Australian social enterprises. Path analysis results identified that opportunity and motivation influence ability, which subsequently affects knowledge exchange. Knowledge combination is preceded by knowledge exchange which consequently influences entrepreneurial orientation. Future studies may consider including moderating variables, and investigating the development of opportunities, motivations, and abilities of employees to spur entrepreneurial orientation in the social enterprise context.