How and when entrepreneurs’ passion lead to firms’ radical innovation: moderated mediation model

The extant literature affirms that passion is important for entrepreneurs’ success. However, the related studies have failed to explain how and when entrepreneurial passion (EP) affects firms’ radical innovation (RI). The current study explores the connections between EP and firms’ RI and mediation of exploratory learning (EL) in this relationship. Moreover, we investigate the moderating role of the Zhong–Yong thinking (ZYT) of Chinese entrepreneurs. Findings from 310 new Chinese enterprises demonstrate that EP directly influences RI and indirectly through EL. ZYT of entrepreneurs can likewise reinforce the connection between their EP and RI via EL. Lastly, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.