Entrepreneurial orientation and performance in nonprofit organizations: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta‐analysis examines the state of research on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance in nonprofit organizations (NPOs). The evidence on this relationship in the business context is already well consolidated. Nonprofit research also elaborated review publications on EO. However, existing knowledge lacks an examination of the EO–performance relationship in NPOs. This study includes 25 publications in the correlation‐based meta‐analysis and finds that various performance goals are positively affected. Nonetheless, the results reveal several inconsistencies regarding conceptual and methodological approaches. A critical reflection on the complexity and differentiation of both constructs, problems of bias, and the causal character of the relationship addresses these issues.