The mediating role of competitive and collaborative orientations in boosting entrepreneurial orientation’s impact on firm performance

Objective: This study aims to assess the role of the relationships between organizations in shaping entrepre- neurial performance. In particular, I tested the mediating role of inter-organizational cooperation and compe- tition in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance.Research Design Methods: This quantitative study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test hypoth- eses reflecting relationships among variables. I present the relationships in the research model. The research sample consisted of 117 one- and two-star hotels operating across Poland.Findings: The most original finding refers to the mediating role of relationships among organizations. In par- ticular, the study unveiled the mediating role of both competitive and collaborative orientation in the rela- tionship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance. In both cases mediation was partial. Thus, collaborative behaviours may be as important as competitive ones in transforming entrepreneurial ap- proach into performance. Additionally, the findings confirm the positive impact of EO on competitive and col- laborative orientation, as well as the positive impact of these three factors on firm performance. Implications Recommendations: This study indicates that both entrepreneurs and researchers should con- sider inter-organizational relationships as a factor that can enhance entrepreneurial efforts. Thus, these rela- tionships can play an important role in managerial practice and they can be a subject of research focused on organizational entrepreneurship. Regarding theory development, I recommend further studies on collabora- tive behaviours in pursuing and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities; specifically, future studies can test presented relationships in other contexts (other industries, countries, and organization types). Moreover, I recommend the inclusion of other variables which can affect the tested relationships as they can help to ex- plain the contingencies related to the tested model. Finally, further testing and improvement of used con- structs (especially those reflecting cooperation and competition) are recommended.Contribution Value Added: This study’s findings contribute to the literature on entrepreneurship and inter- organizational relationships. Specifically, this study explains the role of two opposite postures, namely, coop- eration and competition, in the context of entrepreneurial orientations. With its finding