Unidimensional or multidimensional? A meta-analysis of entrepreneurial orientation’s measurement models

Abstract Being entrepreneurial is becoming increasingly important for organizations in more uncertain and dynamic markets. In this context, the concept of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has provided a theoretical and empirical basis for over 30 years. During this time, EO has been assessed in differential and non-differential ways, without further analyzing the consequences of choosing either approach. This paper addresses unresolved EO measurement issues, focusing on the content and psychometric properties of the Miller, Covin and Slevin scale (the M/CS scale). By combining meta-analysis and structural equation modeling, results show that the predictive validity of EO as a driver of firm performance is greatest for its unidimensional or shared variance operationalization. However, the nominal meaning of EO under a unidimensional conceptualization is not perfectly reflected in the empirical meaning of EO as operationalized due to the M/CS scale’s inclusion of a “competitive aggressiveness” component. Further, data suggest that substituting a modified item for one of the original three proactiveness items is preferential from a measurement perspective that adopts the multidimensional conceptualization of the EO construct. Implications for EO research are presented.