Moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study was collected from 218 family firms associated with the Family Business Institute (IEF). This paper used a structural equation model through PLS-SEM technique to test the proposed model and for contrasting the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Findings The main result of this work is that international performance of family businesses is determined, to a great extent, by the entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the absorption capacity, exerting a positive moderating role. Practical implications If family firms want to improve their international results, they must act in the entrepreneurial orientation through the effect of absorption capacities. Originality/value The originality of this work comes from the discovery of the new moderating role of absorption capacities in family firms.