A Planning-Centric Capability Model for SME Sustainability: Evidence from Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs in Northeastern Thailand
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry play an important role in advancing economic, social and environmental sustainability in emerging economies. However, many resource-endowed SMEs remain unable to translate their potential into sustainable business outcomes. This study examines the factors influencing the business sustainability of food and beverage SMEs in Northeastern Thailand and explains how organizational capabilities are hierarchically structured to create sustainable competitive advantage. A mixed-methods design was employed. Qualitative in-depth interviews with entrepreneurship-incubation experts informed the development of the research instrument, while quantitative data were collected from 401 entrepreneurs in the three highest-GPP provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani. Structural equation modelling was used to test causal relationships among strategic planning, finance and accounting, leadership, business knowledge, product development and external factors. The model demonstrated acceptable fit and explained 92% of the variance in business sustainability. Strategic planning emerged as the strongest direct driver, supported by business knowledge and product development as complementary capabilities. In contrast, finance, leadership and external factors showed no significant direct effects, suggesting indirect or contextual roles. The study proposes a Planning-Centric Sustainability Model and contributes to Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities perspectives in emerging economies.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su18136575
Institution: Suranaree University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7166539764