RESEARCH ARTICLE
Bridging Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Development: The Moderating Role of Value Creation for Stakeholders in Ethiopian SMEs
Abebe Techan Tolossa,
Manjit Singh,
Raj Kumar Gautam,
Corresponding Author
Abebe Techan Tolossa
Department of Management, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
Correspondence:
Abebe Techan Tolossa ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorManjit Singh
University School of Applied Management, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Search for more papers by this authorRaj Kumar Gautam
University School of Applied Management, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Search for more papers by this authorAbebe Techan Tolossa,
Manjit Singh,
Raj Kumar Gautam,
Corresponding Author
Abebe Techan Tolossa
Department of Management, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
Correspondence:
Abebe Techan Tolossa ([email protected])
Search for more papers by this authorManjit Singh
University School of Applied Management, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Search for more papers by this authorRaj Kumar Gautam
University School of Applied Management, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Search for more papers by this authorFunding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
ABSTRACT
The pursuit of sustainable development has become a crucial priority for businesses globally. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of many economies, are essential in driving this agenda. However, the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility is particularly pronounced for SMEs in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study explores the complex interplay between competitive advantage, sustainable development, and the moderating role of value creation for stakeholders in Ethiopian SMEs. By investigating how SMEs can generate value for various stakeholders while simultaneously strengthening their competitive edge and promoting sustainable development, the research seeks to provide strategic insights for long-term success. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 387 SME employees in the Oromia Regional State via a self-administered Likert-scale questionnaire. The analysis, conducted through structural equation modeling, indicates that competitive advantage positively affects sustainable development. Additionally, the study highlights that value creation for stakeholders significantly moderates this relationship, amplifying the positive influence of competitive advantage on sustainable development. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing stakeholder engagement in fostering sustainable business practices. The research contributes to understanding SME sustainability by offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics committed to building competitive and sustainable SMEs in Ethiopia.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Research
Data Availability Statement
Available upon request.
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