Abstract/Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine how entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is manifested in the context of born global firms. Specifically, we investigate the extent to which the EOdimensions of the influential Miller/Covin & Slevin scale are demonstrated in born globals. In addition, following calls in the literature, we examine some as-yet unrecognised dimensions of EO in born globals. Based on semi- structured, in-depth, qualitative interviews with eight born global firms from New Zealand and Australia, we find that the EO dimensions of proactiveness and innovativeness are strongly prevalent in these firms. In contrast to the extant literature, our results also indicate that these born global firms generally display a relatively low level of risk-taking. We find strong empirical support for two additional emerging dimensions of EO: passion and perseverance. Our study provides two key contributions to the area of international entrepreneurship: (1) by investigating how EO is prevalent in the context of born globals, and (2) by proposing the new dimensions of passion and perseverance.