Continuous Learning in SMEs: The Mediating Role of Resilient Dynamic Capabilities across the Firm Life Cycle
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| Title: | Continuous Learning in SMEs: The Mediating Role of Resilient Dynamic Capabilities across the Firm Life Cycle |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Emmanuel Quansah, Stephanie Solansky, Yuan Wang, Kaveh Moghaddam |
| Source: | Learning Organization. 2025 32(4):672-694. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Small Businesses, Lifelong Learning, Resilience (Psychology), Performance Factors, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | United States, Canada |
| DOI: | 10.1108/TLO-10-2023-0179 |
| ISSN: | 0969-6474 1758-7905 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical in the global business environment, yet they face significant challenges of survival. This study aims to investigate the role of continuous learning and resilience dynamic capabilities (RDC) on SME performance. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a quantitative survey of leaders from 290 SMEs to examine the relationship between continuous learning and performance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the dependent relationships in this study. In addition, the Monte Carlo Method is used to test the mediating effect of RDC. Findings: The results suggest that there is a direct effect of continuous learning on firm performance, as well as an indirect effect through RDC. In other words, the effect of continuous learning on firm performance was partially mediated through RDC. Originality/value: The authors also explored whether firm life cycle stage matters regarding the role of continuous learning and RDC in SMEs. The mediating role of RDC becomes more pronounced (fully mediated) as SMEs transition from the growth stage to maturity stage of their life cycle. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1497068 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical in the global business environment, yet they face significant challenges of survival. This study aims to investigate the role of continuous learning and resilience dynamic capabilities (RDC) on SME performance. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a quantitative survey of leaders from 290 SMEs to examine the relationship between continuous learning and performance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the dependent relationships in this study. In addition, the Monte Carlo Method is used to test the mediating effect of RDC. Findings: The results suggest that there is a direct effect of continuous learning on firm performance, as well as an indirect effect through RDC. In other words, the effect of continuous learning on firm performance was partially mediated through RDC. Originality/value: The authors also explored whether firm life cycle stage matters regarding the role of continuous learning and RDC in SMEs. The mediating role of RDC becomes more pronounced (fully mediated) as SMEs transition from the growth stage to maturity stage of their life cycle. |
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| ISSN: | 0969-6474 1758-7905 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/TLO-10-2023-0179 |
