Breaking the cycle of harm: how learning orientation mitigates the impact of abusive supervision on knowledge sharing in SMEs?

Aim/Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of innovation management and learning orientation as the mechanisms playing the role of an intermediate relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and organisational performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kuwait. Background: SMEs are currently among the principal economic instruments in most industrialised and developing countries. The contribution of SMEs can be viewed from various perspectives primarily related to the crucial role they play in developing entrepreneurial activities, employment generation, and improving innovativeness. Developing countries, including Kuwait and other countries, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have recognised the key role played by SMEs as a strong pillar of growth. Consequently, many governments have formulated policies and programmes to facilitate the growth and success of SMEs. Unfortunately, the organisational performance of SMEs in developing countries, particularly in Kuwait, remains below expectations. The lagged growth could be due to a lack of good managerial practices and increasing competition that negatively impact their performance. Numerous researchers discovered the positive effect of entrepreneurial leadership on SMEs’ performance. However, a lack of clarity remains regarding the direct impact of entrepreneurial leadership on SMEs’ performance, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the nexus between entrepreneurial leadership and organisational performance is still indecisive and requires further studies. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach based on a cross-sectional survey and descriptive design to gather data within a specific period. The data were collected by distributing a survey questionnaire to Kuwaiti SMEs’ owners and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) via online and on-hand instruments. A total of 384 useable questionnaires were obtained. Moreover, the partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Contribution: The current study contributed to the existing literature by developing a moderated mediation model integrating entrepreneurial leadership, innovation management, and learning orientation. The study also investigated their effect on the organisational performance of SMEs. The study findings also bridged the existing significant literature gap regarding the role of these variables on SMEs’ performance in developing countries, particularly in Kuwait, due to the dearth of studies linking these variables in this context. Furthermore, this study empirically confirmed the significant effect of innovation management and learning orientation as intermediate variables in strengthening the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and organisational performance in the settings of Kuwait SMEs, which has not been verified previously. Findings: The study findings showed the beneficial and significant impact of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation management on SME’s organisational performance. The relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and SMEs’ organisational performance is fundamentally mediated by innovation management and moderated by learning orientation. Recommendations for Practitioners: The present study provides valuable insights and information regarding the factors considered by the government, policymakers, SMEs’ stakeholders, and other authorities in the effort to increase the organisational performance level and facilitate the growth of SMEs in Kuwait. SMEs’ owners or CEOs should improve their awareness and knowledge of the importance of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation management, and learning orientation. These variables will have beneficial effects on the performance and assets to achieve success and sustainability if adopted and managed systematically. This study also recommends that SMEs’ entrepreneurs and top management should facilitate supportive culture by creating and maintaining an organisational climate and structure that encourages learning behaviour and innovation mindset among individuals. The initiative will motivate them towards acquiring, sharing, and utilising knowledge and increasing their ability to manage innovation systemically in all production processes to adapt to new technologies, practices, methods, and different circumstances. Recommendation for Researchers: The study findings highlighted the mediating effect of innovation management on the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership (the independent variable) and SMEs’ organisational performance (the dependent variable) and the moderating effect of learning orientation in the same nexus. These relationships were not extensively addressed in SMEs of developing countries and require further validation. Impact on Society: This study aims to influence the management strategies and practices adopted by entrepreneurs and policymakers who work in SMEs in developing countries. The effect will be reflected in the development of their firms and the national economy in general. Future Research: Future research should investigate the conceptual research framework against the backdrop of other developing economies and in other business settings to generalise the results. Future investigation should seek to establish the effect of entrepreneurial leadership style on other mechanisms, such as knowledge management processes, which could function with entrepreneurial leadership to improve SMEs’ performance efficiently. In addition, future studies may include middle and lower-level managers and employees, leading to more positive outcomes.

Aim/Purpose: This paper aimed to examine the impact of learning orientation on organizational performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) via the mediating role of total quality management (TQM) practices and the moderating role of innovation culture. Background: SMEs’ organizational performance in developing countries, particularly in Kuwait, remains below expectation due to increasing competition and inadequate managerial practices that negatively impact their performance. Although several studies had revealed a significant effect of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance, the direct impact of learning orientation on their performance is still unclear. Thus, the link between learning orientation and organizational performance remains inconclusive and requires further examination. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach based on a cross-sectional survey and descriptive design to gather the data in a specific period. The data were collected by distributing a survey questionnaire to the owners and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Kuwaiti SMEs using online and on-hand instruments with 384 useable data obtained. Furthermore, the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Contribution: This study bridged the significant gap in the role of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance in developing countries, specifically Kuwait. In this sense, a conceptual model was introduced, comprising a learning orientation, TQM practices, innovation culture, and organizational performance. In addition, this study confirmed the significant influence of TQM practices and innovation culture as intermediate variables in strengthening the relationship between learning orientation and organizational performance, which has not yet been verified in Kuwait. Findings: The results in this study revealed that learning orientation had a significant impact on organizational performance of SMEs in Kuwait. It could be observed that TQM practices play an important role in mediating the relationship between learning orientation and performance of SMEs, as well as that innovation culture plays an important moderating role in the same relation. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study provided a framework for the decision-makers of SMEs on the significant impact of the antecedents that enhanced the level of organizational performance. Hence, owners/CEOs of SMEs should improve their awareness and knowledge of the importance of learning orientation, TQM practices, and innovation culture since it could significantly influence their performance to achieve success and sustainability when adopted and managed systematically. The CEOs should also consider building an innovation culture in the internal environment, which enables them to transform new knowledge and ideas into innovative methods and practices. Recommendation for Researchers: The results in this study highlighted the mediating effect of TQM practices on the relationship between learning orientation (the independent variable) and organizational performance (the dependent variable) of SMEs and the moderating effect of innovation culture in the same nexus. These relationships were not extensively addressed in SMEs and thus required further validation. Impact on Society: This study also influenced the management strategies and practices adopted by entrepreneurs and policymakers working in SMEs in developing countries, which is reflected in their development and the national economy. Future Research: Future studies should apply the conceptual framework of this study and assess it further in other sectors, including large firms in developing and developed countries, to generalize the results. Additionally, other mechanisms should be introduced as significant antecedents of SMEs’ performance, such as market orientation, technological orientation, and entrepreneurial orientation, which could function with learning orientation to influence organizational performance effectively.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of SMEs’ innovation and learning orientation in mediating the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme on SMEs’ performance and competitive advantage in Malang. This research uses explorative design by distributing questionnaires on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The analytical tool used is structural equation model (SEM). The results show that CSR programme has a significant effect on SMEs’ innovation, learning orientation and SMEs’ performance. The discussions and implications of this research contribute to the SME sector as it is proved to be able to increase SMEs’ innovation, learning orientation, SMEs’ performance and competitive advantage. This study is limited only to Malang-Indonesia SMEs receiving CSR programme assistance.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding, taking into account the moderating influence of coworker support and the mediating function of emotional exhaustion. The current study's model suggests that when supervisors are abusive, people become emotionally exhausted and hide knowledge. Our study proposed that employees who experienced abusive behaviors were more likely to withhold information and knowledge from others in the organization. There was a strong association between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. This means that employees who experienced abusive behaviors from their supervisors were more likely to feel emotionally drained and depleted. Another purpose of the research was to know whether coworker support moderates the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion. Coworker support may offer a sense of support and social connection, which can help employees cope with the stress associated with abusive supervision. The model was supported by Social exchange theory. Convenience sampling was used to gather data from 181 workers in the telecom sectors of firms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Adapted questionnaires with five-point Likert scales for each variable were used. Results indicated that abusive supervision has a positive and significant relationship with knowledge hiding. The mediating role of emotional exhaustion between abusive supervision and knowledge hiding was also supported by results. However, contrary to expectations, moderating the role of coworkers’ support, between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion gained no acceptance. By incorporating specific training on recognizing and avoiding abusive behaviors from the outset, organizations can set clear expectations for supervisory conduct and create a culture that discourages abusive practices. Regular policy reviews will help the organization adapt to evolving challenges and best practices in preventing abusive supervision, ensuring that policies remain relevant and contribute to a positive work environment. Limitations and future directions are also provided.

nnovation provides surplus value compared to competing products or substitute products. The results of product innovation will create a separate market segment and spin off of old products. This study was conducted on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kendal Regency with the aim of testing whether innovation can be driven by entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation, which then drives business performance in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This study also tests whether social media adoption can be driven by entrepreneurial orientation so as to drive the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The approach used is quantitative with the object of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kendal Regency. The results of hypothesis testing with SmartPLS concluded that the relationship built by innovation mediation was significant while the relationship built by social media adoption mediation was not significant. This shows that innovation can mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation on business performance in MSMEs while social media adoption does not mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and MSME performance. This study provides insight for MSME actors and policy makers to consider the importance of innovation and social media adoption in improving MSME business performance. Keywords: Innovation, Social Media Adoption, Business Performance, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Learning Orientation

This study examines abusive supervision as a critical workplace stressor and its adverse effects on employee behavior and attitudes in the post-pandemic Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry of Bangladesh. It investigates the impact of abusive supervision on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and intention to leave (IL), while examining the mediating roles of perceived injustice (PI) and occupational stress (OS) and the moderating role of external locus of control (LC). Grounded in an integrated framework combining Social Exchange Theory (SET), Cognitive Appraisal Theory (CAT), and Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, the study adopts a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 384 RMG employees using stratified random sampling and analyzed through Smart-PLS 4.0. The results show that abusive supervision significantly increases both CWB and IL. PI and OS partially mediate the abusive supervision–CWB relationship, while OS also mediates the abusive supervision–IL relationship. However, PI does not mediate the abusive supervision–IL link, suggesting that turnover intentions are driven more by stress and resource depletion than justice perceptions. Moreover, external LC moderates the abusive supervision–CWB relationship but not IL. The study highlights the importance of ethical supervision and stress-reduction practices in labor-intensive contexts.

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the effects of a creating shared value (CSV) orientation as well as market and entrepreneurial orientation on small business performance. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack knowledge-based resources, because of limited business history, experience, and budgets. The effects of entrepreneurial orientation and CSV are examined from a resource-based view. Empirical evidence of the moderating effect of CSV and learning orientation on firm performance is lacking, especially in SMEs in South Korea. We collected 300 samples from SMEs, and analysed the data using quantile regression, which explores the effects of covariates at various quantile levels of a conditional distribution. This differs from previous studies on SMEs, which dealt with the conditional mean (ordinary least squares). The results confirm the significant and positive effects of CSV orientation on firm performance and that entrepreneurial orientation and the moderating effects of learning and CSV orientation are more effective for firms in the mid to upper quantiles in terms of performance. We also examined whether the effects of entrepreneurial and CSV orientation differ for firms with low and high performance using quantile regression. The results indicate that strategic orientations need to be different in low and high-performing businesses. The results address the heterogeneity of SME performance in strategic orientation analyses.

The study aims to identify the role of Access to Finance, Learning Orientation, and Innovation on the performance of SMEs. The moderating effect of business risk also examined the relationship of Access to finance, learning orientation, innovation, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). For this purpose, Data is collected from 300 SMEs in the textile sector operating in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Primarily, the data is analyzed to check the normality and multicollinearity, and then Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) is developed in the Smart PLS-3. The significant contribution of the present research study is to identify the moderating effect of business risk on the relationship between Access to finance, learning orientation, innovation, and SMEs performance. The findings revealed that Access to finance, learning orientation, and innovation have a positive and significant impact on the performance of SMEs. Moreover, results also show the contribution of business risk, which moderates the relationship between Access to finance, innovation, and SMEs performance. However, business risk does not affect the relationship between learning orientation and SMEs performance. The practitioner and policy maker would be the beneficiary of the study while making policy and strategic decisions of the SMEs.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of abusive supervision on cyberloafing at work, mediated by emotional exhaustion and moderated by facilitating conditions, drawing on social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory. Design/methodology/approach A total of 352 samples were gathered from employees in Vietnamese IT companies through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were examined using partial least squares–structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, and the process module created by SmartPLS4 was used to assess the conditional indirect effect. Findings This paper showed that abusive supervision positively affected cyberloafing at work, with emotional exhaustion fully mediating this relationship. In addition, the results indicated that facilitating conditions moderated the indirect effect of abusive supervision on online surfing behavior through emotional exhaustion, making the positive indirect effect more significant in environments with supportive facilitating conditions. Originality/value This paper makes a significant contribution to academic research by clarifying the link between abusive supervision and cyberloafing. It argues that abusive supervision functions as a form of mental abuse, leading to prolonged negative emotions and emotional exhaustion among employees. This emotional exhaustion then encourages employees to surf the Internet as a way to cope with stress and pressure. The study demonstrates a fully mediated relationship among these three factors. In addition, this research emphasizes the conditional indirect effect of facilitating conditions on the relationship between abusive supervision and cyberloafing during work hours through emotional exhaustion.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important vehicle in income re-distribution, poverty alleviation, employment creation and contribute to the gross domestic product of South Africa. However, SMEs in South Africa suffer from a weak level of performance and a high failure rate. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of learning orientation on the performance of SMEs. A quantitative approach was used, while a self-administered questionnaire was also employed during data collection process. A three- section questionnaire covering demographic information, learning orientation variables and performance variables was prepared and distributed randomly to a selected sample of 390 SME owners in Msukaligwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. A total of 181 questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability. The results of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between learning orientation and the performance of SMEs. Recommendations to improve the learning orientation of SMEs are suggested.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important vehicle in income re-distribution, poverty alleviation, employment creation and contribute to the gross domestic product of South Africa. However, SMEs in South Africa suffer from a weak level of performance and a high failure rate. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of learning orientation on the performance of SMEs. A quantitative approach was used, while a self-administered questionnaire was also employed during data collection process. A three- section questionnaire covering demographic information, learning orientation variables and performance variables was prepared and distributed randomly to a selected sample of 390 SME owners in Msukaligwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. A total of 181 questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability. The results of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between learning orientation and the performance of SMEs. Recommendations to improve the learning orientation of SMEs are suggested.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exports contribute as a driver of the global economy and a source of economic growth. In the global era, to main a competitive advantage, SMEs need to produce behavior to ensure the feasibility of innovation performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between market orientation, learning orientation, and knowledge management on innovation performance. The research method uses a research design cross-section. The study population includes all export-oriented manufacturing industries. SMEs and is registered in the Bali Provincial Industry and Trade Office database (2019). A total of 94 senior managers are SME interested in participating in the survey. Seven hypotheses are presented related to market orientation, learning orientation, knowledge management, and innovation performance, and the mediating effect of knowledge management. Structural equation model based Partial least square (SEM-PLS) is used to test the hypothesis. These findings reveal that learning orientation in manufacturing SME operation contributes to knowledge management. Knowledge management plays a mediating role in the relationship between market orientation and learning orientation on innovation performance. These results contribute additional insights to managers and policymakers about the concepts of market orientation, learning orientation, and knowledge management to achieve innovation performance.

Objective: This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of Market Orientation and Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Performance of International SMEs, mediated by Networking and Learning Orientation Theoretical Framework: This study examines the influence of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on international MSME performance, with networking and learning orientation as mediators. Market orientation helps MSMEs understand customers and competitors, while entrepreneurial orientation drives innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking. Networking strengthens business relationships to support exports, while learning orientation enhances adaptability. These factors collectively contribute to the success of exporting MSMEs in East Java. Methods: The research method used is quantitative exploratory research. The population of this study consists of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the East Java Province of Indonesia, totaling 875 SME actors. Based on the sample calculation, the sample size for this study is determined to be 268 respondents. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling with purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) assisted by AMOS 24. Results and Discussion: The results of the study show that the Performance of International SMEs is not significantly influenced by Market Orientation, that the Performance of International SMEs is not significantly influenced by Entrepreneurial Orientation, and that the Performance of International SMEs is significantly influenced by Networking and Learning Orientation. Networking and Learning Orientation are significantly influenced by Market Orientation and Entrepreneurial Orientation. Research Implications: The implication of this study It is expected that export SMEs in East Java can further optimize their market orientation and entrepreneurship to drive innovation and expand international networks; (2) The Cooperative and SME Department of East Java. It is expected that the Cooperative and SME Department of East Java will provide more intensive training and mentoring regarding strengthening market orientation, entrepreneurship, and learning for export SMEs; (3) The Industry and Trade Department of East Java. It is expected that the Industry and Trade Department of East Java will strengthen infrastructure and support programs for export SMEs, including introducing new technologies and facilitating international business relationships through exhibitions or international forums; (4) Future researchers. It is expected that the findings of this study can serve as a reference for future researchers with other variables outside of this study. Originality/Value: This study offers originality/value by examining the role of networking and learning orientation as mediators in the relationship between market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on international MSME performance. Focusing on exporting MSMEs in East Java, this research fills a gap in understanding global competitiveness in this sector. The findings are expected to provide new insights into how market strategies, entrepreneurship, and business networking contribute to enhancing MSME export performance.

The current study examines the impact of learning orientation (LO) on organizational performance and also the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the relationship between LO and organizational performance among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. This questionnaire survey was conducted among 213 managers/ owners of manufacturing SMEs. Previous studies on LO in combination with EO have been conducted in large organizations in developed economies. Studying the relationship between LO and performance and moderated by EO in manufacturing SMEs in a developing economy like Pakistan, this research attempts to fill this gap. The findings reveal that there exist a positive relationship between LO and organizational performance. The findings also demonstrate that the effects of LO on organizational performance are positively moderated by EO. The paper also includes research implications and possible future directions.

Leader behavior significantly influences employees’ safety performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of abusive supervision on the safety behaviors of subordinates. By drawing on the strength model of self-control, we predicted that abusive supervision would negatively affect safety behaviors through emotional exhaustion, and trait self-control and attentional bias toward safety would moderate the relationship between abusive supervision, emotional exhaustion, and safety behaviors. Our hypothesized model was supported by results from a sample of 159 workers at a chemical product manufacturing enterprise in China. Emotional exhaustion mediated the link between abusive supervision and safety behaviors. Moreover, trait self-control moderated the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion, and attentional bias toward safety moderated the relationship between emotional exhaustion and safety compliance. This study elucidates the effects of abusive supervision on safety behaviors through the resource depletion process. Likewise, the importance of trait self-control and attentional bias toward safety in mitigating the potentially harmful effects of abusive supervision in workplace safety is highlighted. Minimizing abusive supervision, providing self-control training, and implementing safety-specific implicit cognition intervention can effectively improve employees’ safety behaviors.