Linking entrepreneurial learning to entrepreneurial competencies: the moderating role of personality traits

This study focused on the effect of different personality traits on the relationship between entrepreneurial learning (exploration learning and exploitation learning) and entrepreneurial competencies based on the experiential learning theory. According to the survey data from 180 start-ups entrepreneurs in China, the results demonstrated that: (1) exploration learning and exploitation learning are positively related to entrepreneurial competencies, (2) personality traits (risk taking and innovativeness) moderates the positive relationship between exploration learning and entrepreneurial competencies, especially the relationship was more positive when entrepreneurs are equipped with higher innovativeness and lower risk taking, (3) personality traits (risk taking and innovativeness) moderates the positive relationship between exploitation learning and entrepreneurial competencies, thus the relationship was more positive when entrepreneurs are equipped with higher risk taking and lower innovativeness. Implications for entrepreneurial learning and personality traits research and practice are provided.