scholarly journals Gaining Trust in the Digital Age: The Potential of Social Media for Increasing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1884
Author(s):  
Borislav Rajković ◽  
Ivan Đurić ◽  
Vlade Zarić ◽  
Thomas Glauben
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Credence Attributes ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
A Company

Trust in information originating from a company is becoming essential, as consumer preferences are increasingly versatile and oriented towards credence attributes. Social media, which emerged as a dominant means of online communication, might help increase consumers’ trust in companies. The paper empirically investigates a conceptual trust-building mechanism that could occur on companies’ social media pages. A survey was conducted among social media users in Belgrade (Serbia). The collected data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. It confirmed that in an interactive environment of companies’ social media pages, trust can be built towards two objects. The first one is trust among consumers, and the second one is trust towards a company. The results also confirm a connection between trust and an intention to purchase, both being also related to a consumer’s willingness to obtain information. Therefore, the result can serve as a basis for creating more effective marketing campaigns where a company is the source of information regarding credence (added-value) attributes of its products.

scholarly journals Antecedents of Sustainable SMEs in the Social Media Space: A Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-46
Author(s):  
John Amoah ◽  
Jaroslav Belás ◽  
Khurram Ajaz Khan ◽  
Zdenko Metzker
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Business Growth ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Abstract Social media has become explosive, permeating every sphere of the socio-cultural lives of individuals and businesses, and causing nations to technologically evolve. The dramatic growth in the adoption and use of social media has become beneficial to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), significantly contributing to resolving a nagging challenge of effectively advertising their goods and services. Consequently, SMEs can achieve business growth and sustainability through increased adoption and harnessing the opportunities provided through the use of social media. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an impetus for both consumers and SME businesses to leverage interaction through social media, which may lead to business growth. This research thus sets out to identify how social media contributes to the growth of SMEs within a developing country context. To accomplish this objective, primary data was collected from SMEs in the hospitality industry across the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana using survey and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires were distributed to the managerial staff of each randomly selected survey participant. Out of the 900 questionnaires distributed, 718 were filled correctly for the data analysis. The researchers quantitatively analyzed the responses using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling(PLSSEM) statistical software ADANCO 2.0 version. The results indicated that Small and Medium Enterprises are capable of using social media for customer attraction, business marketing strategy, communication channel and increased financial performance.

scholarly journals The role played by supply chain strategies and supply chain integration in financial performance. An empirical study in Peru

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Alejandro Pérez Gilabert ◽  
Jorge Luis Pena Acevedo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Supply Chain Design ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The objective of this study is to develop and test a framework for the role that supply chain strategy (SCS) and supply chain integration have in a firm’s financial performance and to increase the understanding of the role that these factors play in supply chain design. Structural equation modeling was used to test these relationships based on data obtained from small and medium exporting enterprises in Peru. This study responds to a gap in understanding the role of supply chains in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how firms in Latin America, especially in Peru, apply supply chain concepts. Findings indicate that companies should prioritize their integration efforts depending on the type of supply chain strategy. Likewise, results show that customer integration is directly related to a firm’s financial performance. This study responds to the need to understand the development of supply chain strategies and the generation of competitive advantage in Peruvian export-manufacturing SMEs.

scholarly journals Moderation Effect of Education to the Effect of Market Orientation and Technology Orientation on Entrepreneurship Orientation at Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in East Java, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salim Al Idrus
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Moderator Variable ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Technology Orientation

The research was aimed to uncover the effect of market orientation and technology orientation on entrepreneurship orientation with education as a moderator variable. This research used the quantitative approach and the causal relationship between variables was investigated through Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The research population included Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in East Java, Indonesia, and 168 SMEs were selected as the sample. The findings of the research revealed that education attainment levels could reduce the effect of market orientation on entrepreneurship orientation and could increase the effect of technology orientation on entrepreneurship orientation. Based on the findings, it is recommended that SMEs in East Java must improve their entrepreneurship orientation by intensifying the variation of the market’s supply and demand, upgrading technology, and hiring workers who have the required educational background, and then training them on the latest technology

Impact of service quality on satisfaction and loyalty at manufacturer-distributor dyad

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surjit Kumar Gandhi ◽  
Anish Sachdeva ◽  
Ajay Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Indian Setting ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by service quality (SQ) in manufacturer–distributor working partnerships in the context of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and present two models which propose and validate that contributions toward SQ, made by both the manufacturing unit and distribution firm lead to satisfaction which consequently results in business-to-business (B2B) loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe research design for this study includes a combination of literature review, exploratory interviews with a focus group and a questionnaire survey conducted through interview schedule from 101 information rich and willing respondents working in SMEs of northern India.FindingsThe paper brings out scales foe measuring organizational (internal) and distributor (external) SQ. Further, two models using structural equation modeling are developed. Model-I examines the effect of organizational SQ on distributor SQ. Model-II examines the impact of distributor SQ on satisfaction and loyalty and also tests a set of four propositions related to their working relationship. The models are empirically tested and are found to be fit.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers may validate these scales, and empirically test the proposed models in alternate settings. Insights derived from this study may be transferred to other partnerships, which may exist in a manufacturing supply chain including suppliers, employees, retailers and end consumers.Practical implicationsThis study would be of interest to SME practitioners interested in improving SQ with their distributors. The study also finds support for strengthening collaborative relationships with B2B partners to achieve a win-win situation.Originality/valueThere are very few empirical studies that measure SQ w.r.t. distribution function in SMEs and the concept is in nascent stage, especially in Indian setting.

Organization-stakeholder relationship and performance of Iranian SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-436
Author(s):  
Alireza Jalali ◽  
Mastura Jaafar ◽  
T. Ramayah
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Stakeholder Relationship

Purpose This study aims to explore the direct and indirect effects of organizational stakeholder’s relationship on performance through innovativeness and risk-taking among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study used the cluster sampling method to select the study sample and the questionnaire survey approach to 580 SMEs established in Tehran. A total of 150 completed questionnaires were returned. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was administered to analyze data via the SmartPLS 3.0 software. Findings The survey outcomes revealed that organization-stakeholder relationship had an indirect effect on performance through innovativeness and risk-taking. The results indicated positive links for organization-stakeholder relationship and innovativeness, as well as the organization-stakeholder relationship to risk-taking. Practical implications This research is beneficial for entrepreneurs who wish to learn about the specific resources significant for venture growth, to devise effective strategies to expand their relationship with stakeholders and to consider the significance of the correlations established, in this study, through innovativeness and risk-taking. Originality/value This research is one of the few attempts that have addressed the importance of innovativeness and risk-taking as the key mechanisms to transform the advantages of organization-stakeholder relationships to enhance performance.

scholarly journals Corporate Social Responsibility Activities that Influence Customer Loyalty of SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter K. Turyakira
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social

Businesses are increasingly required to address the demands of key stakeholders, in addition to those of shareholders. There is an increasing role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to large businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alike. However, research to support the degree of the application of CSR activities to SMEs with respect to customer loyalty is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the selected CSR activities that impact the customer loyalty of SMEs. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to selected SMEs in Kampala District, while Structural Equation Modeling was utilised to determine the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. The study findings revealed that the selected CSR activities (Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) positively influence the Customer loyalty of SMEs.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Penggunaan Software Zahir POSX Terhadap Manajemen Bisnis Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah di Kota Samarinda

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
MARTINUS ROBERT HUTAURUK ◽  
SITI ROHMAH
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Sample Test ◽  
Accounting Software ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

        The development of information technology which is the impact to development revolution of industrial 4th makes every activity inseparable from network usage with entrepreneurs in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) group, who also must be albe to capture the business opportunity.        The purpose of this study is to confirm the role of Zahir POSX software on business management in the UMKM group in Samarinda city. This research was conducted on 275 populations in the UMKM group located in Samarinda City, especially in the area around Mulawarman University and University of Widya Gama Mahakam Samarinda, and by using the Slovin method with a 5% error rate, 163 respondents were taken as sample. Test on validity and reliability have been darried out with good results on the items received agin before further analysis.      This study was conducted in order to predict the role of Zahir POSX software on business Management and used the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) wih multiple groups through Smart PLS Version 3.2.8 software.     The results of this study found that on use Zahir POSX software had a positive and significant impact on UMKM group in Samarinda. Entrepreneurs will be easier in controloing their business, even using paper less media. The results also show that through modern accounting software, it will increasingly make business management more effective and efficient

scholarly journals The adoption of social media by small and medium enterprise: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdullah Alhamami ◽  
Noor Azuan Hashim ◽  
Roshayati Abdul Hamid ◽  
Siti Ngayesah Ab. Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Combination Of Theories ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Fierce Competition ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Social media (SM) has become a necessity and a method to confront challenges and fierce competition. More than half of the population are using SM. However, its implication for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is not well documented and researched. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the literature pertaining to the adoption of SM by SMEs. A systematic literature review was conducted using specific keywords and database. This has resulted in reviewing 28 related articles. The findings was presented using frequency analysis. Number of articles are increasing steadily especially in emerging markets with large number of studies deploying the exploratory nature. The most widely used theory is the technological-organizational-environmental framework (TOE) and the sample size of the reviewed studies is adequate. Increasingly the structural equation modelling are being used. However, the use of intervening variable is minimal. The finding also showed that organizational and environmental context variables are the most important predictors of SM adoption by SMEs while the consequence of this adoption on business performance is mixed. There is a need for more studies to discover the consequence of adopting SM by SMEs using a combination of theories.

scholarly journals Orientasi Kewirausahaan dalam Kinerja UMKM di Jember

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Enny Hindarwati ◽  
Agus Rahayu ◽  
Lili Adi Wibowo
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The entrepreneurial orientation that affects the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jember is a research objective. The study population was 172 micro, small and medium enterprises in Jember. This research uses 100 respondents with simple random sampling technique. The research respondents were the owners of the MSME as informants. Collecting data by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Partial Least Square (PLS) software. The results showed that the autonomous dimension had a significant effect on the performance of MSMEs, while the other dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation: innovation, proactivity and risk had no significant effect.

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