Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure

Abstract Manufacturing SMEs face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable performance (SP) due to resource constraints and ineffective knowledge management (KM) practices. Drawing on the knowledge-based view, contingency theory, and the triple bottom line framework, this research investigates...

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Main Authors: Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby, Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor, Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi, Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi, Nurul Aini Binti Mehat
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01351-1
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author Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby
Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor
Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi
Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi
Nurul Aini Binti Mehat
author_facet Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby
Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor
Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi
Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi
Nurul Aini Binti Mehat
author_sort Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Manufacturing SMEs face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable performance (SP) due to resource constraints and ineffective knowledge management (KM) practices. Drawing on the knowledge-based view, contingency theory, and the triple bottom line framework, this research investigates the influence of KM on SP in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs, under the moderating effect of organizational structure (OS). Data was gathered through a survey of 428 SMEs, yielding 122 valid responses, and analyzed utilising structural equation modeling. The results confirm that KM significantly enhances SP, while OS plays a crucial role in strengthening this relationship. These findings offer both theoretical and practical contributions by demonstrating how adaptive organizational structures can amplify the benefits of KM, enabling SMEs to build resilience and drive sustainable growth. Decision-makers in government and industry can use these insights to optimize resource allocation and implement strategies that generate long-term economic, social, and environmental value. Future research should explore the longitudinal effects of KM on SP across various industries to enhance the applicability of these findings.
format Article
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institution OA Journals
issn 2662-9984
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Springer
record_format Article
series Discover Sustainability
spelling doaj-art-66ebb30302fb42a588698de03ffa66c92025-08-20T02:00:02ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-05-016111610.1007/s43621-025-01351-1Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structureIbraheem Saleh Al Koliby0Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor1Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi2Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi3Nurul Aini Binti Mehat4School of International Studies, Universiti Utara MalaysiaFaculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)College of Business and Economics, Qatar UniversityMarketing and Production Department, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Thamar UniversityDepartment of Moral Studies, Civics and Character Building, Faculty of Human Science, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisAbstract Manufacturing SMEs face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable performance (SP) due to resource constraints and ineffective knowledge management (KM) practices. Drawing on the knowledge-based view, contingency theory, and the triple bottom line framework, this research investigates the influence of KM on SP in Malaysian manufacturing SMEs, under the moderating effect of organizational structure (OS). Data was gathered through a survey of 428 SMEs, yielding 122 valid responses, and analyzed utilising structural equation modeling. The results confirm that KM significantly enhances SP, while OS plays a crucial role in strengthening this relationship. These findings offer both theoretical and practical contributions by demonstrating how adaptive organizational structures can amplify the benefits of KM, enabling SMEs to build resilience and drive sustainable growth. Decision-makers in government and industry can use these insights to optimize resource allocation and implement strategies that generate long-term economic, social, and environmental value. Future research should explore the longitudinal effects of KM on SP across various industries to enhance the applicability of these findings.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01351-1Knowledge managementOrganizational structureSustainable performanceSMEsManufacturing
spellingShingle Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby
Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor
Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi
Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi
Nurul Aini Binti Mehat
Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
Discover Sustainability
Knowledge management
Organizational structure
Sustainable performance
SMEs
Manufacturing
title Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
title_full Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
title_fullStr Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
title_short Enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing SMEs: the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
title_sort enhancing sustainable performance among manufacturing smes the interplay of knowledge management and organizational structure
topic Knowledge management
Organizational structure
Sustainable performance
SMEs
Manufacturing
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01351-1
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