Based on thoughts from literature on organizational fit, this study focuses on understanding why some firms gain more from network participation than others. We hypothesize that firms performance from participating in networks is dependent on network motive congruence and that this relationship is moderated by entrepreneurial orientation. Analysis of 55 organizations from two networks supports the role of  network motive congruence for internally oriented motives, such as concerning economies of scales and joint research and development motives. However, motive congruence appears not as important in matters of externally oriented motives, such as entering new markets or sustaining existing market positions. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial orientation can moderate the relationship between network motive congruence and networking performance.