The purpose of this article is to study the curvilinear effect on pioneering orientation of one of its key relational backgrounds: strength of ties. The study is based on a sample of 224 companies in the footwear industry in Spain. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed. The results show a curvilinear U-shaped relationship between the strength of ties and pioneering orientation. This curvilinear relationship is increasingly pronounced as scanning capabilities grow. Managers wishing to develop a pioneering orientation should avoid excessive levels of strength in their ties and unduly low levels. Furthermore, firms might benefit from developing scanning capability
