Moderated-Mediation of Entrepreneurial Business Network and Competitive Advantage on the Relationship between SMEs Determinants of Sustainable Performance in Nigeria: A Proposed Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The inability of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) to sustain their long-term performance necessitates the need for this study. Therefore, the paper proposes a conceptual framework that highlights the moderated-mediation role of entrepreneurial business network and competitive advantage on the relationship between SMEs determinants of sustainable performance. Specifically, the study believes that competitive advantage may act as a mediator between entrepreneurial orientation, ethical sensitivity, access to finance and access to ICT on the sustainable performance. In addition, entrepreneurial business network was proposed to moderate the relationship between competitive advantage and sustainable performance. Also, the study proposed the use of quantitative research approach to collect data from owner manager of SMEs. Furthermore, partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4 software was propose as technique of data analysis. Lastly, the study proposed testing the model in developing countries like Nigeria.