Stakeholders as enablers of corporate entrepreneurship leading to triple bottom line performance

Abstract

Can corporate entrepreneurship (CE) benefit from insights gained from stakeholders? This study develops a novel framework to analyse how stakeholder relationships provide opportunities and resources for CE, with a particular focus on the role of employees as key stakeholders in driving entrepreneurial activities within organisations. It also examines the consequences of CE for creating value in terms of triple bottom line performance. Matched data on 358 employees working in 125 technology-based companies in Spain were analysed to examine the proposed relationships. Structural equation models were estimated using EQS software. The research concludes that close relationships with stakeholders and employees’ proactive and risk-taking behaviour lead to high levels of CE. Employees’ innovative behaviour contributes to CE when coupled with a shared vision. Moreover, CE creates shared value by contributing positively to economic, environmental and social performance. Through this approach, we not only shed light on the drivers of CE, but also underline its transformative potential in promoting sustainable growth.