Learn and thou shall thrive: advancing a model of workplace familism and organizational learning capability in small and medium enterprise (SMEs) manufacturers in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose – This paper proposes a conceptual framework that would be able to explain the importance of workplace familism on business performance through an organizational learning capability as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual approach is taken whereby this paper is based on an extensive literature review of workplace familism and organizational learning capability. Four prepositions were proposed to highlight the focus of this study which is how workplace familism can be capitalized through organizational learning capability to enhance SMEs business performance. Findings – This paper provides a theoretical discussion on the importance of organizational learning capability in ensuring the survival of the family business. The concept of workplace familism are relatively new, hence, it offers an interesting avenue for further research especially in the Malaysian context. Practical implications – The paper draws attention to the importance of workplace familism and learning organization in fostering entrepreneurial survival and performance among SMEs. Originality/value – This paper shed some insight on the subject on workplace familism and organizational learning capability in small and medium enterprise (SMEs) which hopefully would attract scholars and researchers to pursue more research on this area.