Entrepreneurial Orientation Dimensions and Business Performance of Retired Public Servants from Technical Institutions in Tanzania: The Moderating Role of Learning Orientation

Abstract

This study examined the role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions on the business performance of enterprises owned by retired public servants from technical institutions in Tanzania. Guided by Entrepreneurial Orientation and Experiential Learning Theory, the study employed a quantitative approach, collecting data from 206 retired entrepreneurs using purposive and systematic
sampling techniques. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess the relationships between EO dimensions and business performance. The results revealed that proactiveness had the strongest positive effect on performance (β = 0.334, p < 0.001), followed by innovativeness (β = 0.241, p < 0.01) and risk-taking (β = 0.225, p < 0.05), indicating that retirees who
actively pursued opportunities, introduced new ideas, and took calculated risks achieved better business outcomes. Moderation analysis clarified the role of Learning Orientation (LO): it positively strengthened the effect of innovativeness on performance (β = 0.162, p = 0.032) but weakened the proactiveness–performance relationship (β = -0.222, p = 0.033). LO did not significantly moderate the relationship between risk-taking and performance (β = -0.014, p = 0.438). These findings extend EO theory to retired entrepreneurs and highlight the nuanced role of experiential learning in enhancing business outcomes. Practically, the results inform policymakers and program designers on supporting retirees transitioning into entrepreneurship by emphasizing proactive opportunity-seeking, innovative practices, and structured learning, while recognizing that risk-taking outcomes may depend on
contextual or environmental factors.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Innovativeness, Pro-activeness, Risk-Taking, Business Performance, Retired Entrepreneurs