The influence of learning orientation on entrepreneurial performance : the role of business model innovation and risk-taking propensity

It is commonly known in the literature that learning orientation (LO) plays a critical role in enhancing startups' performance by nurturing firms' capabilities, stimulating active learning, and generating new knowledge. Based on this, using entrepreneurship theory, this study empirically tested a theoretical research model to create business model innovation (BMI) for start-ups. Specifically, this study examines the impact of the LO on EP. Also, the study explored the mediating role of BMI in the link between LO and start-up EP. Further, the present study explored the moderating role of propensity to take risks to probe this nexus. The research design was quantitative, and cross-sectional data obtained through questionnaire survey of 421 managers of start-ups with fewer than six years of business operations in Turkey was utilized to verify the relationships. The results indicated that LO has a positive impact on EP. LO has a positive impact on BMI. BMI has a positive impact on EP. Business model innovation mediated the relationship between LO and EP. Propensity to take risk moderates the positive link between LO and BMI, such that at lower levels of propensity to take risk, the strength of the positive link is weakened. Propensity to take risk moderated the positive relationship between LO and EP, such that at higher levels of propensity to take risk, the strength of the positive relationship is further intensified. This research contributes to the existing literature on entrepreneurship and innovation by demonstrating the importance of BMI and the propensity to take risks for start-ups to attain performance.