Network market and entrepreneurial orientations as facilitators of international performance in born globals. The mediating role of ambidextrous dynamic capabilities

This paper aims to propose an integrating model that can explain firm international competitiveness through the dual lens of network and firm behaviour. The research examines the case of born globals (BGs) created during the last financial crisis in a sample of 306 Spanish BGs using structural equation modelling. Results show that in today’s highly competitive and dynamic globalised markets, developing strategic orientations (market and entrepreneurial) in a network context helps build an optimal antecedent interfirm environment. This environment channels values generated through joint efforts to strengthen an individual BG’s international performance. Capabilities play an essential mediating role to achieve this effect through the integrated application of dynamic capabilities and ambidexterity theories. Thus, exploratory (adaptation and absorption) capabilities will influence the capacity to exploit knowledge through innovation capability and lead to higher performance. Findings provide practical insights into the hierarchisation of the sources of influence on BGs’ performance.