Small Enterprises Research Articles

The impact of work characteristics on safety behavior of front-line employees in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises: an empirical study based on Chinese SMEs.

This study explores how work characteristic factors influence the safety behavior of front-line employees in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises in China, using an expanded job demands-resources model. The research constructs a structural model based on job demands and job resources. A total of 558 valid responses were collected using a designed variable measurement scale to empirically test the influence of work characteristics on safety behavior (safety compliance and safety participation). The findings reveal that job demands negatively affect safety behavior, with job burnout mediating this relationship. In contrast, job resources positively influence safety behavior, with safety motivation mediating the effect. Additionally, psychosocial safety climate moderates the mediating path between job demands and employee safety behavior, while it partially moderates the mediating paths between job resources and employee safety behavior.

Effects of COVID-19 and government stimulus packages on the resilience and recovery of micro, small, and mediumenterprises in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of pandemics, such as COVID-19, and government stimulus packages on the profits of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana. This study’s key contribution is using the triple hurdle model, combining logit and fractional logit regression, to provide a robust analysis of MSME resilience. The study assesses how the COVID-19 pandemic, socio-economic factors, and stimulus packages influenced MSME profitability. The findings reveal that the hospitality sub-sector was the worst affected, while the food, beverage and manufacturing sectors were the least impacted. Entrepreneurial resources (male-owned MSMEs), organizational resources (manufacturing MSMEs), and technological resources (online presence or visibility) enhanced resilience, whereas government stimulus packages had no significant effect on MSMEs’ ability to withstand the crisis. MSMEs should invest in digital infrastructure to improve profitability and resilience. The inefficiencies in policy design suggest the need for the government to adopt long-term, sector-specific policies to support MSME recovery and strengthen their preparedness for future shocks. The study contributes to the discussion of MSME crisis management and emphasizes the importance of firm-level adaptability over broad fiscal interventions. Also, it offers novel insights compared to the existing literature as it uses the triple hurdle model and focuses on Ghana’s MSMEs.

Fuelling growth: a qualitative study on the benefits and challenges of growth hacking for micro, small and medium enterprises

PurposeThe rapid expansion of technology has facilitated the widespread adoption of data-driven approaches and strategies for business growth. One such approach is growth hacking (GH), which seeks to optimize growth through experimental methods. Despite increasing use in organizations of all sizes, the academic literature has not fully explored the implementation and potential benefits and challenges associated with GH. This paper aims to address this research gap by providing new insights into GH and categorizing its main benefits and challenges.Design/methodology/approachA multiple-case study approach was employed to investigate the growth strategies of micro, small and medium enterprises. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with founders, managers, consultants and professionals in the field.FindingsThe findings shed light on the economic, technological, organizational and managerial benefits derived from GH implementation, which include the scalability of strategies and a data-driven culture, learning from failures, leaner and more efficient processes and improved readiness to respond to change. Several challenges associated with GH implementation were also identified, including entry barriers; limited availability of time, budget and resources and a higher propensity for risk, failure and patience.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the existing literature by providing new evidence on the opportunities and risks associated with GH for better and more effective implementation of this strategy while suggesting future research directions.

Behavior of Using Indonesian Standard Quick Response Code (QRIS) in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Bengkulu City

Behavior of Using Indonesian Standard Quick Response Code (QRIS) in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Bengkulu City

Examining the impact of job crafting, work-life balance, and procrastination on performance enhancement

This study aims to investigate the impact of job crafting on work-life balance and employee achievement, specifically in-role performance and work-related procrastination, as positive and negative outcomes, respectively. A survey questionnaire was administered to 1,032 employees from micro, small, and medium enterprises in Indonesia. Factor analysis and internal consistency testing were used to assess the measuring instruments. The relationship model was tested using structural equation modeling with a two-step approach. The paper found a relationship among the three dimensions of job crafting and their correlation with work-life balance, procrastination, and in-role performance. Work-life balance and in-role performance exhibited a significant negative relationship with procrastination. These results show that the approach aspect of job crafting can enhance both work-life balance and in-role performance. The model fit to the data is very good (CFI (0.996 > 0.95), NFI (0.985 > 0.90), SRMR (0.004 < 0.08), GFI (0.996 > 0.95), TLI (0.954 > 0.90), AGFI (0.919 > 0.90) with a small normed chi-square (χ2/df = 11.973). The influence of job crafting dimensions on procrastination varied. The findings further strengthen the notion that the proactive element of job crafting positively influences behavior through offering feedback, setting high targets for employees, and expanding the scope of work to enhance their complexity. However, the avoidance aspect of job crafting remains inconsistent and requires further research. The practice of job crafting should be encouraged in the workplace. AcknowledgmentHeartfelt gratitude is extended to the employees of MSMEs actively engaged in this research.

Effectiveness of State Mechanisms for Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Arctic (On the Example of the Komi Republic)

Effectiveness of State Mechanisms for Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Arctic (On the Example of the Komi Republic)

Social responsibility in Guinean micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: What mechanisms underlie employees' causal attributions of their behavior?

Social responsibility in Guinean micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: What mechanisms underlie employees' causal attributions of their behavior?

Optimizing MSME Marketing through Social Media: A Maqashid asy-Sharia Perspective

This study aims to analyze the optimization of marketing strategies through social media for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lampung Province from the perspective of Maqashid asy-sharia. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data collection was conducted through interviews and observations with MSME owners and relevant stakeholders. The results of this study indicate that: (1) the utilization of social media as a marketing tool has proven to be highly effective in expanding the reach of MSMEs, enhancing brand awareness, and increasing consumer engagement; (2) marketing through social media aligns with the principles of Maqashid asy-sharia, particularly in preserving wealth (hifdz al-mal) and ensuring ethical business practices. Furthermore, this study provides a deeper understanding of how digital marketing strategies can be harmonized with Islamic ethical and economic principles. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights for MSME business managers, academics, and policymakers in leveraging social media marketing while adhering to Maqashid asy-sharia values. This research contributes to the discourse on digital marketing in the context of Islamic economic principles and serves as a foundation for future studies exploring ethical business practices in the digital era.

Trend of Human Capital Development on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria (2003-2023)

Human capital has been recognized globally as one of the major factors that is responsible for the wealth of nations and human resource constitutes the ultimate basis of Small and Medium scale Enterprises development and wealth of Nations. Most developed Nations are rich because of the emphasis they laid on human capital development. This study investigated the impact of human capital development on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprise (SMEs) in Nigeria over the period from 2003 to 2023. The study adopted an “ex-post facto” research design, utilizing secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, Bureau of Statistics, and SMEDAN reports. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology was employed for data analysis, allowing for the examination of short and long-term effects of human capital variables such as formal education, training, and participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops on SME performance indicators. Trend analysis, correlation matrix, stationarity test, least square regression estimation analysis were carried out on observations to obtain results. The findings revealed a consistently positive and significant relationship between human capital development and SMEs performance across the study period. Specifically, higher levels of formal education, training initiatives, and participation in knowledge-sharing events are associated with enhanced business outcomes in terms of profitability, productivity, and market competitiveness for Nigerian SMEs. Least Square Multiple Regression showed that Adjusted R2- 08859 indicating that approximately 88.59% of the variance in SMEsP is explained by the model, suggesting a high level of explanatory power. F. statistics showed 39.80876, Prob (F-statistics) was 0.0000 indicated that the overall model is highly significant and Durbin-Watson stat was 206373.3 suggesting that there is no significant autocorrelation in the residuals of the model, the constant term (C) has a coefficient of 2.0040 and is significant with a p-value of 0.0002,indicating that it has a substantial positive impact on SMEsP when all predictors are zero. ARDL Results indicated short and long run impact of human capital development on SMEs performance in Nigeria. Also, trend analysis found a positive trend in human capital development. Invariably, all the null hypotheses set were rejected and the alternative hypotheses were accepted. This study concluded that investments in human capital development play a crucial role in bolstering SME performance in Nigeria. The results underscore the importance of continuous skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition among SME operators, suggesting that such initiatives contribute not only to immediate operational improvements but also to sustain growth over time. Based on the findings, the study recommended that policymakers and business support agencies in Nigeria prioritize initiatives that promote access to formal education, vocational training programs, and participation in professional development activities like seminars and exhibitions. Facilitating easier access to these resources and enhancing their quality can empower SMEs to navigate challenges, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and contribute more robustly to Nigeria's economic development goals.

Improving Employee Performance through the Application of Total Quality Management, Self-Efficacy and Commitment to the Organization as Mediating Variables in Small and Medium Enterprises in Bogor City, Indonesia

Small and medium enterprises are business activities that are able to create jobs, provide broad economic services to the community, can play a role in the process of income distribution and encourage economic growth. This study aims to find efforts to improve employee performance through total quality management, self-efficacy and commitment to the organization. The research subjects were 175 employees of small and medium enterprises in Bogor City who were sampled. This research is descriptive and verification. The instrument testing method uses validity test, reliability test, normality, linearity and homogeneity. The results found that there is a positive direct and indirect effect of total quality management, self-efficacy on employee performance through commitment to the organization. The variable that has a large influence in improving employee performance is total quality management. The research implication of this finding is to improve employee performance through strengthening total quality management, self-efficacy and commitment to the organization in order to achieve the goals of small and medium enterprises.

Assisting Employers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Support Employees on Long-Term Sick-Leave: Development of a Web-Based SME Tool Using Intervention Mapping.

Employers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in supporting employees on long-term sick-leave, due to limited resources and expertise available. This study aimed to develop an intervention assisting employers of SMEs in supporting long-term sick-listed employees during sick-leave and return to work (RTW). Intervention mapping (IM) steps 1-4 were employed to develop the intervention. For the needs assessment, 20 employers, 8 employees, 8 occupational physicians, and 9 other stakeholders were interviewed (step 1). A logic model of change was developed (step 2), followed by the identification of theoretical methods for achieving the changes required (step 3). The intervention was composed (step 4), incorporating the results of a pilot test with 4 employers, 4 employees, 4 occupational physicians, and 3 other stakeholders. Identified needs (step 1) span knowledge on legislation, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, practical support, actions regarding RTW, relapse prevention, and organizational policy. Using the self-determination theory as the theoretical basis for improving employer intention and ability to support sick-listed employees (steps 2 and 3), a web-based intervention was developed (step 4) (hereafter: SME tool). The SME tool includes succinct tips, communication videos, and practical checklists. Minor adjustments were made following the pilot test, such as adding supplementary information on privacy regulations and preventive strategies. By focusing on enhancing SME employers' intention and ability to support their long-term sick-listed employee(s), the developed SME tool has the potential to improve the satisfaction of employees with the sick-leave and RTW support of their employer during long-term sick-leave.

Learning as a Motivation Factor in Learning Organizations

In this paper, the authors focus on learning organisations, with special emphasis on learning as a motivational factor within the context of leadership in such organisations. Following a literature review, the paper presents a research study on the topic. A qualitative research design was employed, and data were collected using a questionnaire containing open-ended questions. The research sample included 100 employees from micro, small, medium-sized, and large enterprises located in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. Recognising the importance of integrating learning into an organisation’s philosophy, the authors sought to identify the motivational factors applied by respondents’ employers in the workplace, with particular attention to the role of providing learning opportunities for employees. The research findings indicate that employees value the availability of opportunities for personal and professional growth, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.

Determinants of Performance of Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria

Performance is the measurement of business efficiency and effectiveness The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on determinants that influence Small and Medium Scale Enterprises performance in Nigeria and to develop a framework that could be beneficial for leaders. This paper uses a systematic review of articles on the factors that influence organizational performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to collect and summarize all empirical evidence from literature that fits the context of this study. This study investigated the determinants of performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The study adopted a descriptive method of data collection sourced from various past scholars journal and book publications on performance, SMEDAN reports and journals on SMEs activities and performance, Bureau of Statistics and other related research items on the subject matter. Findings revealed that willingness to perform, capacity to perform, opportunity to perform, Job Satisfaction, Training and Development, Motivation, Organization Culture, Work Environment, Work Load, Right Tool for the job, Employee Engagement, Communication as determinants of SMEs performance in Nigeria. This study concluded that performance is crucial for business growth and plays a major role in bolstering SME growth in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended that policymakers and business support agencies in Nigeria should prioritize initiatives that promotes better performance and quality service delivery by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Facilitating easier access to these initiatives and enhancing their quality can empower SMEs to navigate challenges, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and contribute more robustly to Nigeria's economic development goals through better performance.

Penguatan Legalitas UMK di Desa Tlontoraja melalui Pendampingan Sertifikasi Halal

Tlontoraja Village, Pasean District, Pamekasan Regency is one of the villages where the majority of the people are entrepreneurs in making products based on marine raw materials, such as petis, crackers, and rengginang. This type of entrepreneurship is classified as a micro and small enterprise (MSE). The free halal certification program for MSE products created by the government is not yet known to business actors in this village. Therefore, existing MSEs do not have halal certificates. The aim of this service activity was to socialize the halal certification program and provide assistance in its management. The method applied in the service is conducting outreach and discussions about halal certification, and then identifying MSEs who are willing to be accompanied in processing halal certificates. The result of the service that has been carried out is the socialization of the free halal certification program for MSEs delivered by the Halal Product Process (PPH) companion from the Agribusiness Study Program. Students have assisted in processing halal certification requirements, uploading documents to the halal website, and the MSEs accompanied have received halal certificates.

Meningkatkan Inklusi Sosial dan Keberlanjutan UMK di Kabupaten Tanggamus, Provinsi Lampung melalui Pelatihan Sertifikasi Halal

The development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) is a key strategy for enhancing social inclusion and economic sustainability at the local level. Capacity building and the obligation for halal certification among MSEs require support from various stakeholders, including the academia. This community service activity aims to improve social inclusion and business sustainability of MSEs in Talang Padang District, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province, through halal certification training. Community service was conducted in three main stages: coordination and socialization, halal certification training, and monitoring and evaluation, along with participant mentoring. A total of 18 participants attended the training, with 83.33% showing an increase in knowledge about the halal concept and the process for obtaining halal certification. The evaluation results showed that 61.11% of the participants successfully obtained halal certification and incorporated the halal logo on their product packaging. The implementation of this halal certification training is expected to make a significant contribution to improving the social inclusion and business sustainability of MSEs in the region.

Crafting Digital Pathways

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected various facets of society in Indonesia, with the business sector, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), facing considerable challenges. A notable transformation brought about by the pandemic is the rapid integration of social media by MSMEs. The global lockdowns and movement restrictions disrupted supply chains, impacting raw material procurement, production, and distribution processes, resulting in substantial operational delays. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media adoption on the performance of MSMEs within the fashion sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing the technological, organizational, and environmental framework, encompassing antecedent factors for analyzing social media adoption in MSMEs, the research utilizes purposive sampling and quantitative methods involving 266 MSME owners in Jakarta. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling software for data analysis, the results of hypothesis testing reveal a positive influence of organizational impact and social media adoption on MSME performance.

Pendampingan Perbaikan Kemasan dan Uji Kandungan Nutrisi Jus Kweni (Mangifera odorata) UMKM Indira House, Kabupaten Bogor

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in the Indonesian economy. MSMEs often face challenges in business development, especially in improving product quality and their competitiveness in the market. This mentoring activity aims to assist Indira House MSMEs in Bogor Regency in improving the packaging and testing the nutritional content of kweni products to improve product quality. The nutritional tests will be listed on the new packaging label. Assistance for improving packaging quality also includes improvements to the visual aspects, color, type of letters, labeling and information, and uniqueness and functionality of the packaging. Overall, this assistance was successful in several important aspects, including an increase in consumer assessment of various aspects of packaging, from visuals, labeling, and color to functionality. The packaging improvements were well received by consumers and increased the product appeal. Sales are more stable, despite monthly fluctuations, and sales trends show that products with new packaging can attract consumer interest. Consumer trust and loyalty, clear nutritional information, and functional packaging build consumer confidence, which is important for repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. Competitiveness in the market, with more attractive packaging and clearer information, Indira House kweni juice is able to compete better in the market. This assistance provides a strong basis for Indira House MSMEs to continue developing their products and increase their competitiveness in the market. With the right marketing strategy and continuous improvement in product quality, sales and consumer satisfaction are expected to continue to increase in the future.

Adopting digital technology for sustainable performance: circular economy practice in the transportation sector

The transportation sector is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating environmental pollution and climate change. This has a significant economic effect on sustainable performance (SUS). This study aims to understand how digital technology adoption (DIG) affects SUS, considering the mediating role of circular economy practice (CIR). The research surveyed 706 individuals working in small and medium-sized enterprises in the transport industry in Southern Vietnam, employing quantitative and qualitative methods for analysis. The findings reveal that CIR has a positive effect on SUS. DIG has a positive impact on CIR and SUS. Additionally, the results also confirm the positive mediating role of CIR in the effects of DIG on SUS. The research results have made certain theoretical contributions. These insights also provide practical implications for policymakers and managers in the transportation sector to foster holistic sustainable development in Vietnam.

The Role Of Business Strategy As A Mediating Influence Of Entrepreneurial Orientation On UMKM Business Performance

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and to examine how business strategy mediates the relationship. The population in this study were business actors in Bekasi Regency in the Food & Bevarege sector. The sampling technique in this study was based on purposive sampling technique, namely regional sampling based on criteria. The criteria for selecting an area is to have a minimum of 100 business actors. The data collected is primary data through questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis was carried out using Smart PLS. The results of this study indicate that entrepreneurial orientation is positively related to MSME business performance, and that business strategy plays a mediating role in the relationship. The importance of developing entrepreneurial-compatible business strategies to improve MSME business performance is a significant implication of this finding

The impact of microfinance on the development of Vietnamese small enterprises

In developing countries, microfinance has affirmed its role as an important tool to promote the development of small businesses, helping them overcome initial financial difficulties by providing small loans with easy conditions, thereby creating opportunities for small businesses to develop production and operations. In general, microfinance not only provides capital (finance) but also enhances the capacity of small businesses through consulting, training, and technical support services (non-financial). In this study, the author focuses on analyzing the role of microfinance in promoting small business development through financial and non-financial support. The research model is built with 3 scales: Small Business Development; Financial Services; Non-Financial Services. The author conducted a survey in 3 provinces representing three regions of Vietnam, including Bac Ninh province (North), Quang Nam province (Central), and Binh Duong province (South). The survey subjects are small business managers, with a sample size of N = 240 people. The research results continue to confirm the role of microfinance in promoting small business development through financial and non-financial support measures; microfinance promotes small business development but tends to provide more financial support. Non-financial support is more limited, while non-financial support has an impact on long-term development, realizing the long-term goals of small businesses. From the results of this research, the author discusses policy solutions to further promote the role of microfinance in helping small businesses receive both financial and non-financial support to achieve sustainable development goals.