Learning Orientation of SMEs and its Impact on Firm Performance

In this paper, we investigate the extent to which an organizational learning orientation (LO) impacts performance using a sample of 228 Austrian SMEs. After elaborating the theoretical background, we examine the impact of LO on performance in the context of environmental dynamism and hostility and finally explore implications of the interaction between LO and the environmental dynamism and hostility for SME performance. Results of multiple regression analysis suggest that a high level of LO results in higher performance levels. However, both highly dynamic environments as well as hostile environments absorb possible performance effects of a high LO in SMEs.