Business sustainability: Functions of financial behavior, technology, and knowledge

Abstract

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are among the cornerstones of the Indonesian economy that managed to survive the world crisis. The development of MSMEs also demands that owners be ready to compete with other MSMEs. This study aims to analyze whether business sustainability is influenced by financial literacy with financial behavior and financial technology as mediators. The research sample includes owners and managers of MSMEs in Indonesia, totaling 342 respondents. Data collection methods used are non-probability sampling techniques by distributing questionnaires. This study uses SEM analysis with PLS analysis tools. It was found that financial literacy does not directly affect business sustainability but affects financial behavior and financial technology. Financial behavior and financial technology are proven to influence business sustainability. Furthermore, financial behavior and financial technology mediate the effect of financial literacy on business sustainability. The results of this study show that financial behavior and financial technology can fully mediate the relationship between financial literacy and business sustainability. Moreover, financial literacy cannot directly affect business sustainability, which must be fully mediated by financial behavior and financial technology. This study also provides practical value regarding the sustainability of MSMEs. Thus, companies can survive in the long term not only with a robust financial literacy foundation but they must be supported by good financial behavior and also be able to choose the right financial technology in their business activities.