Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development最新文献

Purpose

This study clarifies the intricate nature of globalization's impact on unemployment rates in South Africa. Given the heterogeneous views on globalization's effect on economic development, this study aims to offer a nuanced perspective. Furthermore, it aims to explore the mediating role of entrepreneurial development in shaping the complex relationship between globalization and unemployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs four key indicators to measure entrepreneurial development, globalization and unemployment rates in South Africa. Hierarchical regression is used to evaluate the relationship between globalization and unemployment rates, and how entrepreneurial development mediates this relationship. Additionally, both the Sobel test and bootstrapping analyses were employed to verify and validate the mediating relationship.

Findings

The study demonstrates that globalization constitutes a crucial determinant of (un)employment rates in South Africa. The study shows that entrepreneurial development, specifically in the context of established business ownership, but not total early-stage entrepreneurial activity, exhibits an inverse relationship with unemployment rates. Moreover, it was observed that the positive impact of globalization on entrepreneurial development in South Africa becomes evident as SMEs advance to the established stage.

Research limitations/implications

The study's concentration on South Africa constrains the applicability of the results to other nations.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this study, it is essential for emerging economies, such as South Africa, to take measures to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that can aid in the growth and international competitiveness of young SMEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first endeavor to analyze the potential impact of entrepreneurial development, as measured by both nascent and mature SMEs, on the correlation between globalization and unemployment.

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study is to enable a better understanding of the construct sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) and thereby promote sustainable entrepreneurship. It aims to examine the significance of work values (extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards and job security) as antecedents of SEI and to test the mediating effect of three constructs derived from the theory of planned behaviour – attitude towards sustainability, perceived entrepreneurial desirability and perceived entrepreneurial feasibility on the relationships between work values and SEI.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed using analysis of moment structures v27 and statistical package for social science v28 on data obtained from the survey of young individuals of India. The respondents were students enrolled in higher education programmes.

Findings

All the identified antecedents (extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards, job security and theory of planned behaviour constructs) were found to be statistically significant. The partial mediating effect of the theory of planned behaviour constructs was also reported.

Originality/value

This empirical work leads to the theoretical advancement of the emerging construct, SEI, by presenting evidence of the significant individual-level antecedents of the construct. The results lead to recommendations for policymakers and educators to design strategies to strengthen SEI, thereby expanding the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Purpose

This study explores what impact high-performance work practices (HPWP) – from the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) framework – might have on financial performance among family firms and examines the mediating role played by family-centered goals (FCGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical approach is based on data collected from a sample of 339 Spanish small and medium-sized family enterprises operating in the industry and service sectors. To test the hypotheses, this paper applies a path analysis modeling tool to estimate both indirect and direct effects in mediator models.

Findings

The results indicate that the AMO framework has a significant impact on financial performance through the lens of FCGs. In addition, family businesses' keen concern to preserve family wealth influences the effectiveness of HPWPs, making firms more socioemotionally oriented at the expense of economic impact.

Research limitations/implications

This paper underscores the importance of integrating family aspirations into strategic human resource management (HRM) design, emphasizing the significance of socioemotional wealth (SEW) preservation.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical insights for family managers, family owners and human resource (HR) practitioners, suggesting the need to align HR practices with family goals and to strategically balance socioemotional and financial wealth considerations. Family owners in key management positions must skillfully manage HR strategies in order to harmonize family and firm goals.

Originality/value

By examining the mediating effect of FCGs, this paper advances and extends SEW theory in the context of HRM by considering the relationships between HR practices and firm performance as a mixed gamble approach.

Purpose

Crafts embody the history and heritage of their country of origin and can play an essential role in the country's socioeconomic development by providing significant job opportunities for the rural population. This article investigates the significant challenges that artisan entrepreneurs face when creating, communicating and selling handcrafted goods to potential customers in emerging economies. This study attempted to rate the impediments based on their severity using the voices of artisan entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis was followed to identify the leading causes of the artisans' pain points. In the first phase, empirical observations were gathered through focus group discussions with artisan entrepreneurs, and the identified factors were quantitatively ranked using the analytic hierarchy process in the second phase.

Findings

The mixed-method research assisted in identifying the primary constraints affecting the efficient and effective operation of the artisan-driven small handicraft business. This study identified six factors that were ranked based on the voices of artisan entrepreneurs during the survey, as barriers to effective handicraft marketing.

Originality/value

Few studies on the handcraft industry have sought to explore the issues faced by artisan businesses holistically. The voices of artisan entrepreneurs were gathered for this study to identify and rate the present obstacles influencing the functioning of small handicraft firms in emerging nations. Handicraft marketing will become more effective and efficient if these barriers are removed.

Purpose

The share of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in e-commerce has increased, particularly after COVID-19, alongside the growing volume of e-commerce transactions. The increased number of orders necessitates the optimization of delivery operations. This situation has made using different technologies in last-mile delivery processes necessary. Currently, used electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in integrating these technologies into delivery operations. Adapting to new technologies emerges as a critical need for small enterprises to survive in the face of advancing technologies. In this context, the main purpose of this paper is to examine and identify attitudes of small businesses toward EVs’ usage in last-mile delivery for FMCG.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical frameworks commonly used in studies investigating new technologies, namely the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) have been employed. The analysis of the study was conducted using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Smart PLS software package.

Findings

When examining the results of the study, a significant and positive relationship was found between compatibility and enjoyment with perceived usefulness. Furthermore, a significant and positive relationship was identified between attitude toward use, perceived behavioral control and perceived usefulness. Ultimately, a strong relationship was found between intention, which is a precursor to active usage and attitude. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that EVs can be actively used in last-mile delivery in the future.

Originality/value

In FMCG processes in Türkiye, EVs are limitedly used in last-mile delivery operations. However, there are very few studies on the use of EVs in FMCG. Therefore, it is expected that the current research will contribute to the literature by providing information on the factors that influence the acceptance of EV usage and their implications. The TAM and TPB models were used in the current study.