Mediation of learning orientation on market orientation and business performance: evidence from Brazilian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Benchmarking: An International Journal
ISSN: 1463-5771
Article publication date: 16 March 2023
Issue publication date: 8 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of learning orientation on the market orientation and business performance of industrial Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the metal-mechanic and wine sectors in southern Brazil, an emerging economy country.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 309 Brazilian managers of SMEs in the metal-mechanic and wine sectors. The study analyzed overall model fit and causal relationships by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.
Findings
The survey results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables market orientation, learning orientation and business performance in the investigated sectors. Learning orientation mediates the relationship between market orientation and business performance.
Practical implications
This article provides insight to guide industrial managers of Brazilian SMEs in the metal-mechanic and wine sectors in a prosperous region with a thriving economy. The mediating effect of learning orientation can help managers in their commitment to learning, market vision and open-mindedness in teams that work with multiple orientations.
Originality/value
Few studies focus on analyzing the mediating effect of learning orientation in industrial SMEs in the metal-mechanic and wine sectors. This article differs from others due to the relationships between the constructs, LO mediation over MO and BP, relevance of the investigated sectors for the region and multiple guidelines for managers of the investigated SMEs. Previous studies are scarce on the indirect effect of LO on MO and BP in developing countries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful for the contributions provided by the reviewers of the journal. In addition, the authors would like to thank all companies participating in the survey.
Funding: This article was not funded by government agencies.
Citation
Guerra, R.M.d.A. and Camargo, M.E. (2024), "Mediation of learning orientation on market orientation and business performance: evidence from Brazilian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 590-610. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-06-2022-0404
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited