The role of leadership, continuous improvement and benchmarking on organizational performance: the mediating mechanism of EOC

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to examine the collective effect of leadership, continuous improvement and benchmarking on organizational performance. In addition, the study also investigates the intervening mechanism of EOC as a mediator between leadership, continuous improvement and benchmarking from one side and organizational performance on the other side. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses for testing have been generated using primary data gathered through a survey questionnaire. A total of 355 questionnaires were returned from amongst 565 when data was gathered from the Dubai police organization. The data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method and SmartPLS. Findings Most of the hypotheses in the study’s model were found to have a significant effect on organizational performance. Statistical findings using SEM-PLS also confirmed the mediating role of EOC as a mechanism between leadership, continuous improvement, benchmarking and organizational performance. Practical implications Findings reported many valuable implications. The study has theoretical implications to close the gap in the existing body of knowledge and practical implications to consider the study’s variables to enhance the overall performance through considering entrepreneurial culture as an intervening mechanism. Originality/value The collective role of leadership, continuous improvement, benchmarking, EOC and organizational performance is studied as one of the most important empirical studies which bring original contribution to the existing body of knowledge.