Post-entry performance of international new ventures: The mediating role of learning orientation

This article investigates the role of learning orientation in the post-entry performance of international new ventures (INVs) by examining the relationships of niche strategy, network resources and learning orientation with the multi-dimensional post-entry performance of INVs. Based on the INV internationalisation literature, we develop and validate a conceptual model, using a sample of 147 INVs from the two relatively small and open economies of New Zealand and Australia. The results show that the learning orientation of INVs positively mediates the relationship between niche orientation and network resources and post-entry performance of INVs. Our study indicates that learning orientation is an important capability through which focused strategies and resources of INVs may influence their multi-dimensional post-entry performance in terms of operational, financial and overall effectiveness measures. We draw key implications for research on post-entry behaviour of INVs by explicating the role played by the learning capabilities of the firms, and how these capabilities interact with their strategies and resources in enhancing the post-entry performance of INVs.