Small And Medium-sized Enterprises Employees Research Articles

Unveiling employee perspectives: A comparative analysis of online reviews on Korean SMEs and large corporations

This study analyzes online company reviews from JobPlanet using TF-IDF analysis and LDA topic modeling to explore factors influencing job satisfaction in Korea. By comparing the reviews from employees at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations on the advantages and disadvantages, it aims to gain insights into enhancing SMEs' competitiveness regarding employee job satisfaction.The analysis shows that large corporation employees valued personal growth and mutual respect but cited excessive workload as a significant drawback. SME employees appreciated smooth communication and flexible leave but noted unilateral work, long hours, and lack of shared vision. The study concludes that a horizontal organizational culture and opportunities for personal growth significantly impact job satisfaction beyond salary and benefits. SMEs can improve competitiveness by fostering a clear corporate vision, a horizontal culture, and personal growth opportunities.

Driving frugal innovation in SMEs: how sustainable leadership, knowledge sources and information credibility make a difference.

This study investigates the driving factors behind frugal innovation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). It specifically examines sustainable leadership as an independent variable, considering its impact on frugal innovation, with sources of knowledge mediating this relationship and information credibility moderating the effects. Employing a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, data were gathered from 325 employees of SMEs in Pakistan. This methodology was chosen for its ability to handle complex relationships between multiple variables simultaneously, offering robust insights into the interplay among sustainable leadership, sources of knowledge, information credibility, and frugal innovation. The results reveal significant associations between sustainable leadership, sources of knowledge, information credibility, and frugal innovation. Sustainable leadership demonstrates a substantial influence on both sources of knowledge and frugal innovation. Furthermore, sources of knowledge play a vital role in mediating the relationship between sustainable leadership and frugal innovation. Information credibility emerges as a significant moderator, affecting the pathways between sustainable leadership, sources of knowledge, and frugal innovation. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable leadership and credible information sources in driving frugal innovation within SMEs. They highlight the intricate interdependencies among these variables and emphasize the pivotal role of information credibility in shaping these dynamics. These results carry significant implications for SMEs in Pakistan, shedding light on the mechanisms through which sustainable leadership and reliable knowledge sources can stimulate frugal innovation in emerging economies.

IMPACT OF OPEN INNOVATION ON GLOBALIZATION: A SURVEY STUDY ON CHINA

The objective of this study is to examine the role of open innovation practices to promote globalization. For this purpose, this study considered two open innovation practices: external knowledge and supplier involvement. A survey was carried out to collect primary data from the respondents. This study preferred Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to examine the role of open innovation in globalization. Data were collected from the employees of SMEs in China. By employing Structural Equation Modeling, this study addressed the important insights for academicians and practitioners. It is concluded that; open innovation practices have key role to promote globalization. The promotion of open innovation practices among the Chinese SMEs can increase the globalization potential. The strategies of open innovation led to increase in business collaboration across the border business organizations. The business collaboration between the SMEs of various countries is the best way to enhance globalization by increasing the level of social capital. Therefore, those institutions who want to promote globalization should promote open innovation practices among the business organizations.

Understanding user resistance of smart factory adoption: a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the resistance behavior of smart factories in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing upon dual factor perspective, this study examines how two types of quality and perceived usefulness impact user resistance as enabling factors and how switching cost, skepticism, habit and inertia contribute to user resistance as inhibiting factors. Additionally, multi-group analysis is employed to compare small and medium enterprises.Design/methodology/approachPurposive sampling technique was employed to collect 460 Korean SMEs employees, consisting of 235 small enterprises and 225 medium enterprises. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that all three inhibiting factors, switching cost, skepticism and habit, are key antecedents of inertia. In small enterprises, skepticism has a greater impact on inertia, which in turn strongly affects resistance. Additionally, system quality is more crucial for small enterprises, whereas information quality holds more importance for medium enterprises in mitigating resistance. Moreover, when the implementation level of a smart factory is high, the effect of perceived usefulness on user resistance diminishes.Originality/valueThis study has revealed the importance of considering both enabling and inhibiting factors for the adoption of smart factory systems in the context of SMEs. Additionally, it has provided evidence that as the level of the smart factory system increases, the effect of perceived usefulness on user resistance decreases, thus making the transition to smart factory systems more challenging.

Managerial coaching and employees’ innovative work behavior: The mediating effect of work engagement

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely on each employee to be innovative, and understanding how employees can be supported in their innovative behavior is a crucial factor. This study draws on managerial coaching (MC) literature to examine the dynamics of how leadership behaviors impact employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB). In an attempt to disclose the mechanism through which MC can impact the IWB of employees, we particularly expected work engagement to mediate the relationship. Accordingly, we operationalized IWB as a four-dimensional construct to show whether MC and work engagement equally affect all of the dimensions of IWB. We collected survey data ( N = 4418) from 88 Finnish SMEs and found that MC was positively related to each dimension of IWB, and that work engagement mediated the linkages. Interestingly, the importance of MC (both directly and when mediated by work engagement) grows as the employee moves from idea exploration to implementation. This study sheds light on the mechanism through which leadership behavior can impact the IWB of employees in SMEs.

Role of Transformational Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship in Achieving Enterprise Performance: Taking Creativity as a Mediator

Purpose: In the recent business context, the pivotal drivers of organizational success are increasingly identified as transformational leadership and social entrepreneurship. These dynamic forces have emerged as crucial predictors, shaping the trajectory of enterprise performance. The present study proposed to explore the role of transformational leadership and social entrepreneurship in achieving enterprise performance through creativity among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. Design/Methodology/ Approach: We applied quantitative methods to detect this problem by collecting data from the employees of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. Finally, we utilized 294 samples to get the results. Findings: Applying the analysis of moment structures (AMOS) version 26.0, the results show a positive and significant impact of transformational leadership, social entrepreneurship and creativity on enterprise performance. The mediating path leads to a positive mediating impact of creativity in developing the connection between transformational leadership and enterprise performance. On the other hand, creativity did not mediate the relationship between social entrepreneurship and enterprise performance. Research, practical and social implications: The research outcomes serve as a strategic compass for policymakers and planners, offering actionable insights to elevate enterprise performance through the strategic integration of transformational leadership and social entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the study provides valuable guidance for organizations aspiring to cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity, fostering the essential elements for sustained success in today's dynamic business environment. Originality/ value: This study addresses the gaps in the empirical evaluation of enterprise performance through transformational leadership, social entrepreneurship and creativity among Egyptian employees of Egyptian SMEs.

The Performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab: A Moderating Role of Corporate Image

The main purpose of this study is to check the factors affecting the performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Punjab. These factors include quality certification, open innovation, organizational culture and corporate philanthropy. Moreover, to check the moderating effect of corporate image between corporate philanthropy and SMEs’ performance. Quantitative research approach is used in this study because it is based on primary quantitative data which is collected by adapted questionnaire. Managerial level employees of SMEs located in Lahore were selected as population. Simple Random Sampling technique was used to collect data. Reliability and validity of model was checked and hypotheses were tested by using SMART PLS-SEM. The results of this study revealed that quality certification, open innovation, organizational culture and corporate philanthropy positively and significantly related to SMEs’ performance. Moreover, moderating variable, corporate image significantly moderates the relationship between corporate philanthropy and SMEs’ performance. Above mentioned practices play key role in boosting the performance of SMEs in Punjab, Pakistan. The results of this study are significant for the strategists, policy makers, managers and owners of SMEs located in Punjab, Pakistan or elsewhere. Results suggested them to incorporate such practices for enhancing their businesses’ performance. It will ultimately enhance the contribution of SMEs in the growth of economy.

Does workplace spirituality predict turnover intention in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between person-organization fit (P-O fit), job satisfaction (JS), workplace spirituality (WS) and turnover intentions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the moderate role of WS in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were collected by cross-sectional data collection methods. The sample contains 242 employees of SMEs in Indonesia. The analytical method used to test research hypotheses is moderate regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that P-O fit is an antecedent that can reduce turnover intention. JS has a negative effect on turnover intention and WS has a negative effect on turnover intention. WS moderates the relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention and the relationship between JS and turnover intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enhances the understanding of the importance of WS in reducing employee turnover intentions. This research also contributes to the research model based on fit theory and social exchange theory.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this research is to improve P-O fit in employees. Managers can manage the right people for the environment and the right environment for the individual. In other words, the organization must choose both. The most basic way to create a P-O fit for employees is to recruit employees suitable to organizational goals because, in general, SMEs rarely have a written vision and mission.Social implicationsThrough the of spirituality in the workplace, employees will experience a sense of meaning and purpose in their work, foster a sense of unity through positive relationships and achieve alignment between personal and organizational values. Consequently, this will diminish the inclination to seek employment elsewhere.Originality/valueAlthough turnover intention in employees is considered necessary, there is still minimal research that discusses turnover intention and WS in SMEs. To the authors' knowledge, no one has tested WS on the relationship between PO fit and JS with turnover intention in SMEs.

The role of internal auditors as a tool to boost competitiveness of Greek firms

The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the modern economy is crucial, and they have emerged as the most alluring and inventive system. To investigate and assess SMEs’ operations, internal auditing was formed as an independent assessment. Internal auditors’ planning and implementation of a quality program of internal audits can result in several advantages to SMEs. The current study investigates how internal auditors might help SMEs become more competitive. To fulfill the study’s requirements, 200 employees of Greek SMEs who were relevant to the internal audit function in their business environment were invited to answer a questionnaire. Internal auditors are viewed positively by most of the (100) employees who responded. Ranging from 34% to 53% in part B of the questionnaire (the role of internal auditors), they strongly agree with the positive role of internal auditors in Greek SMEs. Regarding the evaluation of internal auditors, most respondents gave a relatively negative opinion. From 31% to 34% respondents in part C of the questionnaire (evaluation of internal auditors) agree a little with the positive evaluation of internal auditors in Greek SMEs. Furthermore, the results showed that internal auditors must be professionals, comprehend the audited activities in-depth, offer ways to remedy problematic activities, and voice their thoughts objectively to succeed in the competitiveness of Greek SMEs.

Human Resource Practices and Employee Retention: The case of Maldives Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

The main objectives of this study are to examine Human Resource (HR) practices (Compensation and rewards, Training and development) and the mediating role (affective-based) of trust in supervisors to retain employees in SMEs in the Maldives using the social exchange theory (SET). A sample of 275 respondents among the employees working in SMEs in the capital city of the Maldives was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS version 3.7. The findings of this study offer several critical theoretical and practical implications for SME owners and managers interested in enhancing employee retention.

Mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior in employees of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Peru.Design/methodology/approachA nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained from a random sample of 300 employees of SMEs in the manufacturing, agricultural and livestock sectors in Peru.FindingsThe results showed that entrepreneurial orientation has a direct and positive effect on entrepreneurial passion and innovative work behavior. Also, entrepreneurial passion was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior.Originality/valueThe research provides evidence-based knowledge of the causal relationships between three important constructs related to entrepreneurship, analyzing their direct and indirect effects on innovative work behavior.

An Analysis of Multigenerational Issues of Generation X and Y Employees in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Thailand: The Moderation Effect of Age Groups on Person-Environment Fit and Turnover Intention.

Multigenerational employees can evidently impact human resource management practices in terms of effective employee retention. Arguably, a high turnover intention of young employees can hinder a company's human resource development, while a high volume of retirement of senior employees can create a skill deficit and even a labor management dilemma. This study explored how a supportive work environment can retain employees of different age groups in Thailand's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly Generation X and Y. It modeled a supportive work environment that impacts the behaviors of Generation X and Y employees, taking into consideration the relationship among factors such as person-job fit, person-group fit, person-supervisor fit, person-organization fit, person-environment fit, and turnover intention. This paper statistically analyzed a set of data drawn from an attentive survey of a total of 400 employees of SMEs in 4 populous provinces in Thailand using structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup analysis (MGA) with the moderation effect of generations. This paper then found that person-job fit, person-group fit, person-supervisor fit, person-organization fit, person-environment fit, and turnover intention can influence an employee's intention to remain in his/her job. Additionally, the relationship manipulation among the aforementioned variables might influence Generation X and Y employees differently. Under the circumstances, supervisory support with less group involvement may encourage the retention of Generation Y employees, whereas a sufficient focus on job suitability could improve the retention of Generation X employees.

Interactive assistance via eHealth for small- and medium-sized enterprises’ employer and health care manager teams on tobacco control (eSMART-TC): protocol for a cluster randomized hybrid type II trial (N-EQUITY2101/J-SUPPORT2102)

BackgroundTobacco control should be a higher public health priority in Japan. Some workplaces provide smoking cessation support and connect employees to effective smoking cessation treatments such as outpatient clinics. However, tobacco control measures have not been sufficiently implemented in Japan, especially in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where resources are limited. Organizational commitment and consistent leadership are crucial to facilitate implementation, but research on whether supporting organizational leaders leads to health behavior changes among employees is limited.MethodsThis hybrid type II cluster randomized effectiveness implementation trial (eSMART-TC) aims to examine the effects of interactive assistance for SME management on health and implementation outcomes. We will provide interactive assistance to employers and health managers for 6 months, aiming to promote the utilization of reimbursed smoking cessation treatments by public health insurance and to implement smoke-free workplaces. The intervention will consist of three strategies: supporting employees through campaigns, tailored ongoing facilitation, and ensuring executive engagement and support. The primary health and implementation outcomes will be salivary cotinine-validated 7-day point-prevalence abstinence rate, and the adoption of two recommended measures (promoting utilization of smoking cessation treatment and implementing smoke-free workplaces) 6 months after the initial session, respectively. Other outcomes for implementation (e.g., penetration of smoking cessation clinic visits), health (e.g., salivary cotinine-validated 7-day point-prevalence abstinence rate at 12 months), and process (e.g., adherence and potential moderating factors) will be collected via questionnaires, interviews, logbooks, and interventionists’ notes at 6 and 12 months. An economic analysis will be undertaken to assess the cost-effectiveness of the implementation interventions at 12 months.DiscussionThis will be the first cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an implementation intervention with interactive assistance for employers and health managers in SMEs on smoking cessation and implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures in SMEs. The findings of this trial targeting management in SMEs have the potential to accelerate the implementation of evidence-based smoking cessation methods as well as abstinence rates among employees in SMEs across Japan.Trial registrationThe study protocol has been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; ID: UMIN000044526). Registered on 06/14/2021.

Moderating Effect of Strategic Planning on the Relationship between Career Path Planning and Job Performance

This study aimed to assess the moderating effect of strategic planning on the relationship between career path planning and job performance among employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A convenience sample consisting of 249 participants was selected. The study used SPSS and Smart-PLS to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that strategic planning and career path planning affected SME employees’ performance. In contrast, it was found that strategic planning substantially moderated the relationship between career path planning and job performance. Moreover, the results showed that SP and CPP had the greatest impact on JP. Based on the obtained findings, it is shown that the proposed hypotheses are accepted. The study revealed the impact of the moderator on the relationship between CPP and JP. The results of this study may serve as a guide for the owners and managers of enterprises and decision makers who aim to develop strategic planning and enhance employee performance.

LEGAL ASPECTS AND EFFECT WORK FAMILY CONFLICT, JOB INSECURITY, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE ON TURNOVER INTENTION

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between legal aspects, work-family conflict, job insecurity, transformational leadership style, and turnover intention..
 Theoretical framework: The role theory proposed by Khan et al. (1964) emphasizes the individual's social role and how it effects his conduct in the workplace and society.
 Design/methodology/approach: This investigation is quantitative in nature. The subjects of this study were 200 SME employees in Palopo City who were selected using a procedure of random sampling. Through social media, online questionnaires with a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5 were distributed to collect data. The study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), whereas SmartPLS 3.0 was used for data processing.
 Findings: Legal aspects play a crucial role in determining the level of work-family conflict, job insecurity, transformational leadership style, and turnover intention in an organization. For instance, laws and regulations pertaining to employment contracts, compensation, benefits, and job security can directly impact an employee's level of job satisfaction and intention to leave their job. Additionally, legal requirements such as mandatory leave and flexible working arrangements can reduce work-family conflict and enhance employee well-being. Moreover, legal frameworks for leadership development and training can foster transformational leadership styles that have been shown to decrease turnover intention among employees. Therefore, understanding the legal aspects that impact the workforce can help organizations develop effective policies and practices that address work-family conflict, job insecurity, and leadership style, and ultimately reduce turnover intention among their employees.
 Research, Practical & Social implications: Legal aspects are crucial for the development and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. Compliance with employment laws and regulations, such as those related to labor rights, employee benefits, and job security, can help SMEs to attract and retain skilled and talented employees. Moreover, transformational leadership styles, which have been shown to enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction, can be developed and nurtured through legal frameworks such as leadership training programs. By understanding and complying with legal aspects and providing effective leadership training, SMEs in Indonesia can improve their employee productivity, foster innovation and growth, and ultimately contribute to the economic development of both the organization and the country as a whole.
 Originality/value: This study explores the relationship between family conflict, Job Insecurity, and Transformational Leadership Style on turnover intention, and psychological attachment that has not been explored theoretically and tested empirically in the Indonesian context.

Opportunities, barriers and facilitators of an indicated prevention strategy to prevent future long-term sickness absence in SMEs: A qualitative study.

The efficacy of an indicated prevention strategy for long-term absence due to sickness has been demonstrated and is implemented in multinational companies. Such a strategy may also be beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, due to the different contexts, adoption, and implementation of this strategy in SMEs may be quite different. This study aims to investigate the opportunities, barriers, and facilitators for adoption and implementation of this preventive strategy, as anticipated by employers and employees of SMEs. A qualitative needs assessment was conducted using semi-structured interviews with higher managers (n = 15) and a focus group with employees (n = 8). Purposive sampling was used, and data were analyzed using content analysis. Employers had positive expectations concerning the gains of the preventive strategy, whereas employees had more reservations. Anticipated gains and intentions to implement the preventive strategy were rooted in underlying conceptions of the causes of sickness absence and the responsibilities of stakeholders. One key barrier shared across employers and employees concerned the potential lack of confidentiality. For employees, the role of the occupational health professional in the prevention of sickness absence was perceived as uncommon. Employers stressed lack of capacity and resources as a barrier, whereas employees stressed lack of follow-up by the employer as a barrier. SMEs are considerably receptive to the implementation of an indicated prevention strategy for long-term absence. Insight into the barriers and facilitators gives clues for wider and optimal implementation across a wider range of organizational settings.

Antecedents of internationalization of Taiwanese SMEs: a resource-based view

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the antecedents of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) internationalization and to compare the different resources required to enter different geographical regions. This study adds to the discussion on internationalization from a resource-based view (RBV) and a focus on dynamic capability, especially the linkage with resources such as digital capability, domestic industrial networks and the business-to-business (B2B) model.Design/methodology/approachThis study used secondary data collected by an SME association in 2020, using a logistic regression model to examine the hypotheses. The respondents were selected according to stratified random sampling.FindingsDigital capability and the B2B model significantly and positively affect the likelihood of internationalization by SMEs, while domestic industrial networks were negatively correlated with this process. In addition, Taiwanese SMEs with high digital capability tend to expand to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. Smaller firms tend to develop in Southeast Asia, whereas larger firms opt to establish business in Oceania.Research limitations/implicationsA research limitation is the generalizability of the sample. Findings could be enhanced if future studies include more industries and draw comparisons among different industries or countries. Future studies could explore digital entrepreneurship from a global perspective.Practical implicationsManagers need to emphasize better the development of digital capabilities and skills for SMEs. With limited financial resources and workforce, SMEs can strengthen the competence in international markets by adopting a suitable business model. When SMEs join an association to expand SMEs foreign networks, the study suggests that SMEs carefully evaluate the characteristics of each industrial association first, given that some associations are domestic-oriented. As for public policymakers, a project grant can be used to provide digital capability training for SME employees and owners or promote building a B2B model when internationalizing.Originality/valueThe authors' findings fill the research gaps in RBVs of internationalization, especially in linking resources such as digital capability, domestic industrial networks and the B2B model. The outcomes of this research serve as a reference not only to policymakers for improving the current SME ecosystem, but also to business practitioners positioning themselves in this system.

How to Predict the Innovation to SMEs? Applying the Data Mining Process to the Spinner Innovation Model

Despite the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the growth and development of companies, the high failure rate of these companies persists, and this correspondingly demands the attention of managers. Thus, to boost the company success rate, we may deploy certain approaches, for example predictive models, specifically for the SME innovation. This study aims to examine the variables that positively shape and contribute towards innovation of SMEs. Based on the Spinner innovation model, we explore how to predict the innovation of SMEs by applying the variables, namely knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, public knowledge management, private knowledge management and innovation. This study applied the data mining technique according to the cross industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) method while the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS_Version28) served to analyze the data collected from 208 SME employees in Oporto, Portugal. The results demonstrate how the Spinner innovation model positively influences the contributions of the SMEs. This SME-dedicated model fosters the creation of knowledge between internal and external interactions and increases the capacity to predict the SME innovation by 56%.

Towards achieving the sustainable development goal 9: Analyzing the role of green innovation culture on market performance of Chinese SMEs.

Green innovation culture is essential to the Chinese 14th five-year plan aligned with sustainable development goal 9. This study examines the relationship between green innovation culture and market performance of Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We evaluated hypothesis by taking a sample of 564 SMEs employees in China through an online survey. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method is used to analyze data. The findings showed that green innovation culture positively influence product and marketing innovation. Similarly, marketing innovation positively affects product innovation and market performance. In addition, product innovation has a substantial effect on market performance. The outcomes of this study imply that SMEs in emerging economies should concentrate on green innovation culture to improve their market performance. In addition, the identification of study limitations and suggestions for further research are also addressed for all stakeholders involved with SMEs.

Digital technology use of SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: mobile applications’ role on motivation and job performance

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the impact of digital technology (specifically mobile applications) use on employees' perceptions of motivation at work (MW) and job performance (JP).Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 4,089 employees working in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered to Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (SMEDO) in Turkey. The relationships were assessed through structural equation modeling with bootstrap estimation.FindingsThe results support the proposed framework illustrating the positive effect of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of mobile applications on employees' perceived JP. Findings indicate that MW has exhibited a mediating effect between both PU and JP and PEOU and JP.Originality/valueThis article discusses the accelerating role of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on SMEs' technology acceptance and the acceptance's positive impact on employees' motivation and performance. This article adds to the literature on SMEs by enabling researchers and practitioners to understand the issues in digital technologies acceptance by SME employees and contributes towards enriching the knowledge on technology acceptance perceptions' role in SMEs coping strategies during the COVID-19.