Intrapreneurship: a comparative structural equation modeling study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the intrapreneurship construct with its predictors and consequences via a model. Previous studies in intrapreneurship have been predominantly concerned with patterns of relationships (coefficients of the model) as opposed to the level of intrapreneurship and other constructs (latent means) in the intrapreneurship model. This study aims to examine both the patterns of relationships and the levels (means) across two countries (the USA and Slovenia) by testing two models (the zero‐means model and the latent‐means model). Design/methodology/approach Mailed structured questionnaire data for this cross‐sectional study were collected from firms in the USA and Slovenia (192 usable responses). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the models and compare coefficients and latent means. Findings The model hypotheses on the relationships among environment, organizational characteristics, intrapreneurship, and performance were mainly supported across both countries and by both models. However, results may differ upon the selection of the measurement model. Research limitations/implications The latent‐means model may be considered superior to the zero‐means model. Practical implications Intrapreneurship can have beneficial effects on the firm's growth and profitability, in both absolute and relative terms. Originality/value This study proved a latent‐means model of intrapreneurship.