Networking, the missing link in firm based Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) performance models

This paper examines the challenges of utilising Covin and Slevin's (1991) entrepreneurial postures of risk taking, proactiveness and innovation in terms of enhancing firm performance. The need for a configuration model that incorporates both internal and external environmental factors is outlined. A new model for Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) which incorporates networking as a means to facilitate the link between EO and the firm's environment to enhance performance is proposed. The construct of networking is defined as incorporating the variables of communication, trust and environmental scanning.