Mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior in employees of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Peru. Design/methodology/approach: A nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained from a random sample of 300 employees of SMEs in the manufacturing, agricultural and livestock sectors in Peru. Findings: The results showed that entrepreneurial orientation has a direct and positive effect on entrepreneurial passion and innovative work behavior. Also, entrepreneurial passion was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior. Originality/value: The research provides evidence-based knowledge of the causal relationships between three important constructs related to entrepreneurship, analyzing their direct and indirect effects on innovative work behavior.