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Is It All About Attitude? Owner–Manager Attitude to Digitalisation, Digitalisation Level, and SME Competitive Performance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores how digitalisation and digital technologies impact SME business models and competitiveness. It examines the relationship between SME owner–manager attitudes towards digitalisation, the level of digitalisation, and competitive performance. Drawing on Upper Echelons Theory (UET) and SME digitalisation literature, the study employs a quantitative survey of 269 Finnish SME managers, analysed through structural equation modelling. A positive owner–manager attitude towards digitalisation enhances SME digitalisation levels. This attitude indirectly impacts competitive performance, mediated by the firm’s digitalisation level. The findings demonstrate the influence of individual cognitive processes on firm-level digitalisation and performance, highlighting the significant role of owner–manager attitudes in SME digitalisation and competitive advantage. Furthermore, the results emphasise a micro-foundations perspective on the antecedents of digitalisation in SMEs.

Source: Journal of Enterprising Culture

DOI: 10.1142/s0218495825500165

Authors: Sanna Joensuu-Salo, Anni Rajala, Annika Laine-Kronberg

Institutions: Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, University of Vaasa, Åbo Akademi University

Language: English

Topic: SMEs Development and Digital Marketing

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7117294677

FWCI:

Cites: 77

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