JOURNAL ARTICLEPhilani Khumalo · Nelisiwe Mary-anne Mchunu
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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The globalized and technologically advanced business environment presents significant challenges to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a critical role in national economic growth and innovation. These challenges include strategic orientation, effective resource allocation, and adapting to changing markets, often resulting in premature business failure. Therefore, the paper reviews recent literature on how tangible resources such as financial capital, physical assets, and technology influence SME growth, focusing on studies from the past decade that apply frameworks like the Resource-Based View. A systematic literature review was conducted, involving a comprehensive search of academic databases. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the findings on resource impact and management in SMEs. The review revealed that financial capital, physical assets, and technological infrastructure significantly influence SME growth. However, the extent of impact varies across contexts, depending on managerial capabilities, access to finance, and market conditions. Addressing this gap, the article aims to inform both theory and practice on SME sustainability and development and suggests avenues for future research.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i1.11131 Crossref citations1 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEKhutso Mankgele
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2023
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Studies on organizational ambidexterity have mostly ignored social and environmental performance in favour of focusing on financial performance. This study investigated the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and the sustainable performance of SMEs. Financial, social, and environmental indicators were used to measure sustainable performance. The study used the quantitative research method, and the cross-sectional survey method to collect data from 145 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized throughout the data-collection phase of the study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results indicated significant positive relationships between organizational ambidexterity and SMEs' financial, social, and environmental performance. The study recommends that agencies that support small businesses should organize seminars to train and educate SME owners on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable performance. The results of this study can assist small business owners in continuing to educate themselves and their staff about organizational ambidexterity. The study recommends that agencies that support small businesses should organize seminars to train and educate SME owners on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable performance.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v12i2.23226 Crossref citations7 OpenAlex citations