Impact of the Mediating and Moderating Roles of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions on Business Performance in Chinese SMEs

Rana Salman Anwar, Shanayyara Mahmood, Muhammad Ramzan, Hina Adeeb, Alsadig Ahmed, Valentin Marian Antohi (), Costinela Fortea, Monica Laura Zlati, Alina Meca and Laurentiu Nicolae Pricope
Additional contact information
Rana Salman Anwar: Faculty of Management Sciences, Indus University, Karachi 74000, Pakistan
Shanayyara Mahmood: Department of Management Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
Muhammad Ramzan: Emerson University Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan
Hina Adeeb: Department of Mass Communications, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Alsadig Ahmed: Applied Management Program, Applied College at Muhyle Assir, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Valentin Marian Antohi: Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
Costinela Fortea: Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
Monica Laura Zlati: Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
Alina Meca: Doctoral School of Economics, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania
Laurentiu Nicolae Pricope: Doctoral School of Economics, Dunarea de Jos University, 800008 Galati, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Purpose: This research aims to explore the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship mediates this relationship and examines the moderating roles of behavioral intention and environmental sustainability orientation. Method: The study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data from 239 employees working across various SMEs in China through a structured survey. The measurement scales were adopted from established research to ensure reliability and validity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using Stata-SEM for data analysis, allowing for a comprehensive examination of direct, indirect, and moderating effects. Findings: The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurial intentions significantly influence business performance, with sustainable entrepreneurship serving as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Behavioral intentions and environmental sustainability orientation were found to significantly moderate the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability practices and personal commitment into business strategies. Originality/Implications: This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship by providing empirical evidence on the mediating and moderating effects within SMEs. It offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers to enhance business performance through strategic sustainability efforts. The study also suggests avenues for future research to further explore these dynamics across different contexts.

Keywords: sustainable entrepreneurship; innovation and sustainability; business performance; SMEs; environmental sustainability; structural equation modeling (SEM) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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