Do Entrepreneurs’ Developmental Job Challenges Enhance Venture Performance in Emerging Industries? A Mediated Moderation Model of Entrepreneurial Action Learning and Entrepreneurial Experience

Drawing on work experience theory and human capital theory, we developed a model of how developmental job challenges (DJC) enhance venture performance. Specifically, we developed and tested a mediated moderation model of DJC linking entrepreneurial action learning (EAL), entrepreneurial experience and venture performance. Based on a sample of Chinese entrepreneurs in emerging industries, we demonstrated that the developmental quality of entrepreneurial tasks had a positive relationship with venture performance and that this relationship was mediated by EAL. Furthermore, we found that entrepreneurs with prior entrepreneurial experience were more likely to engage in EAL behaviors and achieved better venture performance.