The Strategic Nexus of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Sustainability Practices: A Systematic Review Using the Antecedents-Decisions-Outcomes (ADO) Framework

Abstract

Contemporary global challenges, ranging from climate change to increasing socio-economic inequality, compel business enterprises to fundamentally redefine their objective beyond mere short-term profitability. The traditional concept of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) describes a firm’s strategic posture typically measured by innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking dimensions. However, the literature has shifted focus to specialised orientations that explicitly integrate sustainability objectives include Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) and Social Entrepreneurial Orientation (SEO). This transition highlights a critical strategic shift where innovation and risk must be institutionally directed toward ethical and ecological goals. This study aims to address conceptual fragmentation and inconsistent empirical findings by rigorously synthesising the specific pathways, mechanisms, and boundary conditions through which EO and its specialised forms (GEO and SEO) translate into tangible sustainable business performance. We utilise the robust Antecedents-Decisions-Outcomes (ADO) framework to structure the synthesis of extant literature, predominantly focusing on quantitative studies involving Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. The ADO framework allows for a systematic decomposition of knowledge into drivers, strategic choices, and performance consequences. The findings confirms a complex, mediated causal architecture. Antecedents, such as entrepreneurial leadership, individual values, and external institutional pressure, drive organisational strategic decisions.  The core mediating mechanisms that channel EO into results are Green Innovation (GI) and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SCCM) practice. The resulting Outcomes consistently span the Triple Bottom Line (economic, environmental, and social performance). Crucially, EO functions as a strategic amplifier or moderator, enhancing the impact of sustainable practices on performance, but its success is highly contingent on internal capabilities and external conditions.