PurposeDespite the growing scholarly interest in examining entrepreneurial orientation (EO)-performance link, the results have been inconsistent. However, studies have not explored firm-level and external factors that may serve as mechanisms or boundary conditions to explain this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine how and when EO influences performance by incorporating sustainability practices as a mechanism and competitive intensity as an important contingent factor.Design/methodology/approachUsing primary data obtained from 323 chief executive officers/entrepreneurs, the authors analyzed the data using structural equation modeling in LISREL and Hayes PROCESS in SPSS.FindingsThe authors found that sustainability practices serve as a mechanism through which EO influences small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) performance. The study further revealed that the relationship between EO and sustainability practices is weakened at high levels of competitive intensity. Still, the relationship between EO and performance through sustainability practices remains strengthened when competitive intensity is present at high levels.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by examining how SMEs who are less endowed with resources can engage in sustainability practices that can match large firms with stronger EO to achieve increased performance. Additionally, the study contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of sustainability practices in the EO-performance relationship. Finally, the study contributes to the body of literature by testing how competitive intensity presents as a boundary condition to leverage the relationship between EO and performance.

Entrepreneurship makes a huge contribution to any country's economy by providing jobs, instilling innovation, and creativity, and fostering exceptional social development. Scholars have recognized the value of entrepreneurship education since it has a significant impact on students by instilling a feeling of entrepreneurship in them. Entrepreneurial passion refers to the good and intense sensations a person gets from participating in activities related to their role as an entrepreneur. The primary goal of this research is to determine the impact of entrepreneurial passion on social entrepreneurial intent, as well as the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediating factor. The study developed a mediation model to further research on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention. The study also investigated if entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a role in this relationship. This study's philosophical viewpoint is positivism, and the research design is descriptive and explanatory. The study relied on primary data collected using questionnaires. The study adopted a quantitative approach and to analyze the data obtained from a sample of 200 (graduate students). The study revealed that entrepreneurial passion has a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy. Second, using entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediator, the indirect effect of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial intention was significant and positive. It is therefore recommended that more emphasis be paid to Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy when attempting to build or increase Social Entrepreneurial Intent through Entrepreneurial Passion.

Entrepreneurship makes a huge contribution to any country's economy by providing jobs, instilling innovation, and creativity, and fostering exceptional social development. Scholars have recognized the value of entrepreneurship education since it has a significant impact on students by instilling a feeling of entrepreneurship in them. Entrepreneurial passion refers to the good and intense sensations a person gets from participating in activities related to their role as an entrepreneur. The primary goal of this research is to determine the impact of entrepreneurial passion on social entrepreneurial intent, as well as the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediating factor. The study developed a mediation model to further research on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention. The study also investigated if entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a role in this relationship. This study's philosophical viewpoint is positivism, and the research design is descriptive and explanatory. The study relied on primary data collected using questionnaires. The study adopted a quantitative approach and to analyze the data obtained from a sample of 200 (graduate students). The study revealed that entrepreneurial passion has a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy. Second, using entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediator, the indirect effect of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial intention was significant and positive. It is therefore recommended that more emphasis be paid to Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy when attempting to build or increase Social Entrepreneurial Intent through Entrepreneurial Passion.