
The study aims to inspected the associations between different forms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and banks' performance (BP). Data were collected from 275 respondents with a structured questionnaire survey. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the support of SmartPLS software version 3.0. The statistical outcomes expose that all categories of CSR are positively associated with a bank’s financial performance, except CSR to the environment. Statistical findings reveal that CSR to employees was found to be the most significant, followed by CSR to community and CSR to customers in influencing BP. The research contributes to the CSR literature as it represents a realistic indication of the impact of CSR practices on BP in Bangladesh.
PurposeThe transparency of financial information in financial reports and their use in making decisions by users are in doubt because of some recent corporate failures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of creative accounting practices on the quality of financial reporting.Design/methodology/approachA structured close-ended questionnaire was administered to gather data from 256 respondents. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis to summarize key patterns and trends. To test the formulated hypotheses, a multiple regression model was employed.FindingsThe findings show that creative accounting practices such as flexibility in accounting regulation, inadequacy in rules, management’s discretionary power and transaction timing impact the quality of financial reporting. However, fake transactions and financial reclassification of transactions have insignificant influence on this quality.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights to investors, policymakers and regulators regarding the prevalence of creative accounting practices and the current state of financial credibility in Bangladesh. It highlights the need for policymakers to enforce stricter corporate governance frameworks to mitigate the misuse of creative accounting techniques in financial statements.Originality/valueThis study will enhance the existing literature on the impact of creative accounting practices on financial reporting quality, potentially serving as the first investigation of this issue from the perspective of an emerging economy.
PurposeUpdating research is important to assess the progression of existing academic studies. The purpose of the study is to comprehend the role of inclusive green finance in terms of financial and economic inclusion in the digital economy and green growth.Design/methodology/approachBibliometric methodology was employed to assess the progression of the current academic study on inclusive green finance. Scholarly articles were taken from Dimensions and PubMed. A VOS Viewer was used to assess 263 publications, looking at co-authorship, co-occurrence of keywords, citations and co-citations of documents and sources that linked.FindingsThe findings reveal that inclusive green finance plays an important role in green economic development. Inclusive green growth and ecological innovation pave the way for achieving sustainable development. There is a strong relationship between digital financial inclusion and green technological innovation. Interestingly, the analysis found that China is a major player focusing on inclusive green finance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the preliminary steps toward understanding the various barriers and challenges associated with inclusive green finance. This paper can contribute to inclusive green finance literature for further research in each field. The paper also highlights various strategies to overcome challenges related to inclusivity in green finance.
Purpose This study examines the relationship between competition risk and stock returns in the Indian market by utilizing the Marginal Cost to Average Cost (MCAC) ratio, a firm-level competition measure introduced by Taussig (2021). The study investigates whether cost efficiency, driven by competitive pressures, influences stock performance. Design/methodology/approach The study employs portfolio-sorting techniques and Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regressions to analyze the relationship between MCAC and future stock returns. Firms are sorted into decile portfolios based on MCAC, and their subsequent equal-weighted (EW) and value-weighted (VW) returns are assessed using CAPM, Fama-French three-factor and Carhart four-factor models. The robustness of findings is tested through dual sorting on market power and examining different firm sizes to determine whether the effect is driven by small stocks. Findings The results indicate that firms with lower MCAC (higher cost efficiency) earn higher future stock returns, while firms with higher MCAC (cost pressure and inefficiency) underperform. Additionally, the findings suggest that the MCAC effect is distinct from market power effects, as efficiency appears to drive the return premium rather than monopoly power. Practical implications The study highlights the importance of cost structure in investment decision-making, suggesting that investors can use MCAC as a screening metric to identify firms with superior cost efficiency and higher expected returns. Moreover, the findings emphasize that competitive markets do not necessarily lead to higher risk premiums, but instead reward firms that achieve operational efficiency under competition. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by providing first empirical evidence from an emerging market (India) on the relationship between MCAC and stock returns. Unlike prior research that focuses on industry concentration as a competition measure, this study introduces a firm-level competition risk proxy and demonstrates that cost efficiency, rather than monopoly power, drives excess stock returns.
Purpose This study aims to investigate the significance of supply market intelligence (SMI) in enhancing service innovation and supply chain performance within the health services industry of developing countries, focusing specifically on Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative approach, data are collected from teaching and regional hospitals in Ghana. The research examines the relationship between SMI, service innovation and supply chain performance. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed for data analysis. Findings The study highlights the importance of adopting service innovation in healthcare delivery, supported by insights from SMI and efficient supply chains. The results underscore the positive impact of SMI on service innovation and supply chain performance in the context of health service delivery. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the gap in exploring the relationship between SMI, service innovation and supply chain performance in the services sector, particularly within the health services industry of developing countries like Ghana. It employs resource dependence theory (RDT) to understand the impact of SMI on service innovation and supply chain performance in healthcare delivery. The findings provide valuable guidance for healthcare providers, policymakers and practitioners in integrating these concepts to enhance the quality of health services and improve patient satisfaction.
Purpose This study examines the relationship between social media marketing, content management, and university brand performance in the higher education context. It aims to explore how social media engagement and content management practices affect key brand equity dimensions. Design/methodology/approach Using Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 208 university stakeholders across four higher education institutions in Tanzania. The study evaluates the direct and mediated effects of social media marketing on brand performance. Findings The results indicate significant direct effects of social media marketing on content management (estimate = 0.406, p < 0.001) and brand performance (estimate = 0.237, p < 0.001). Content management also demonstrates a positive effect on brand performance (estimate = 0.176, p = 0.014). A significant mediation effect of content management (estimate = 0.169, p = 0.023) highlights its critical role in enhancing brand outcomes. Research limitations/implications The study’s cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality. Future research could explore these relationships in different cultural and institutional contexts for broader applicability. Practical implications This study emphasizes the need for universities to implement robust content management strategies that ensure brand consistency and integrity across digital platforms. By aligning social media marketing efforts with broader brand management objectives, institutions can effectively enhance their brand image, foster stakeholder engagement and build long-term loyalty. Social implications Universities can strengthen their brand identity and foster better relationships with stakeholders by leveraging social media platforms for meaningful engagement and interaction. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of how digital marketing strategies, specifically social media engagement and content management, contribute to brand management within universities, offering insights applicable to higher education branding.
Purpose Despite the vital role that SMEs play in a country’s economy, they face numerous challenges, particularly in generating accurate and quality financial reports for decision-making. This study examines the use of accounting software, its influence on accounting and financial reporting, and the issues that come with using accounting software among Ghanaian SMEs. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a self-administered paper-based questionnaire from 160 SME owners and managers in Ho Municipality, Volta Region – Ghana. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings The study found an increasing use of accounting software among Ghanaian SMEs. The majority of SMEs leverage accounting software to efficiently track inventory, manage cash flow and produce accurate financial reports to support strategic decision-making. However, challenges such as high ICT infrastructure costs, irregular power supply and cybersecurity risks hinder their effective use. Research limitations/implications The research relied on self-reported data, which may increase the risk of common method variance. However, appropriate measures were taken to minimise these limitations. Practical implications The research makes practical contributions to ICT adoption in accounting literature. The findings suggest the need for government, business owners and technology providers to collaborate on developing cybersecurity guidelines for SMEs as well as invest in digital infrastructure to protect financial data and enhance the effective use of digital accounting tools. Originality/value Existing research on SMEs accounting transformation in Ghana is limited, making this study an original contribution to understanding how accounting software can address financial reporting challenges of Ghanaian SMEs.
PurposeThis paper evaluates how bank dynamics, governance structures and financial sector development drive rural banks’ information and communications technology (ICT) investment in the Ghanaian economy.Design/methodology/approachData for the empirical inquiry were compiled from relevant sources including World Development Indicators (WDI), World Governance Indicators (WGI) and ARB Apex Bank from 2014 to 2020. Prais–Winsten panel corrected standard errors (PW-PCSE) was employed in estimating and verifying hypothesized relationships for the study.FindingsThe results suggest that return on assets (ROA) and bank size improve rural banks’ ICT investment. Moreover, telecommunication development and government effectiveness have significant positive impact on ICT investment among rural banks in the Ghanaian economy. The results further show that telecommunication development has a positive moderating effect on regulatory quality and ICT investment nexus among rural banks in Ghana. Financial development, inflation and liquidity risk were found to negatively affect ICT investment among rural banks in Ghana.Originality/valueThe study is premised on four main motivations; (1) the growing role that ICT plays in development outcomes and firm performance (FP), as well as its potential for comparatively increased penetration among African banks and banking institutions (2) the importance of governance for innovation and investment in ICT, (3) banking regulation and (4) gaps in the literature. Previous studies on ICT investment highlight its impact on profitability but little on determinants of banks’ ICT investment in the emerging market context, especially moderating role of governance and ICT diffusion.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the impact of institutional pressures on risk governance, and second, to examine the contribution of the specific elements of institutional pressures on risk governance in financial institutions (FIs) in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a cross-sectional design where data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 112 FIs. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS).FindingsThe results indicate that institutional pressures are significantly associated with risk governance. The study also found that coercive pressures and normative pressures have a positive and significant effect on risk governance, while mimetic pressures do not have a significant effect.Originality/valueThis study offers initial evidence on the association between institutional pressures and risk governance using evidence from Uganda’s FIs. The results also show the impact of the individual elements of institutional pressure on risk governance in FIs. The study also further adds theoretical foundations to the risk governance literature.
PurposeThis study uses hedonism as a mediating variable to examine the relationship between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in Sri Lankan small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a quantitative research study utilizing a survey strategy and distributing standardized questionnaires to 150 SMEs in Sri Lanka using a simple random sampling technique.FindingsAccording to our analysis, a significant relationship exists between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in SMEs in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, we found that this relationship is mediated by hedonism, offering insights into the phenomenon.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings significantly impact Sri Lankan policymakers, financial institutions, and SMEs. Policymakers can use this research to create plans encouraging mobile money usage, potentially improving financial inclusion among SMEs. When SMEs adopt mobile money, financial institutions can adjust their services to match their demands. It is advantageous for SMEs to understand how adopting mobile money can enhance their financial inclusion and overall business stability.Originality/valueOur study contributes to existing literature in two key ways. Firstly, it addresses a significant research gap by examining the impact of mobile money use on financial inclusion among SMEs in Sri Lanka. Secondly, we introduce the concept of hedonism as a potential mediator, providing a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that shape the relationship between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in this context.
Purpose This paper examines the nexus between financial inclusion and the economic growth of an emerging market. Design/methodology/approach We use dataset from the World Bank and Heritage Foundations over the period 2005–2016 and fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic OLS (DOLS) to examine the financial inclusion–economic growth nexus in Ghana. Findings We document a negative relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth, and the causal nexus is unidirectional from financial access to GDP. Financial penetration, however, causes GDP growth, and GDP growth also causes financial penetration. We also document that IT infrastructure, the depth of financial services, employment and inflation drive economic growth in an emerging market. Practical implications The findings support international calls to prioritize financial penetration policies geared toward greater economic growth. Originality/value The paper adds to extant literature by highlighting new empirical insights on the financial inclusion–economic growth nexus from a sub-Saharan Africa market perspective.
Purpose – This study analyzes the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency on the relationship between purchasing analytical skills and restaurant performance. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 169 restaurant managers in Dodoma, Tanzania. The collected data were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings – The results established the direct and indirect effects of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance. Specifically, purchasing analytical skills have positive and significant effects on restaurant performance and purchasing efficiency. Also, purchasing efficiency significantly mediates the effect of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance. Since purchasing analytical skills significantly influence restaurant performance, and the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency is significant, the study establishes and confirms the partial mediation effect of purchasing efficiency. Research limitations/implications – The current study solely focused on purchasing analytical skills. Future studies may examine other types of purchasing skills (technical and managerial skills) to expand the study's findings. Furthermore, different mediating variables can be used to study the indirect effect of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance. Originality/value – This study presents empirical evidence from Tanzania, an emerging economy, on the link between purchasing analytical skills and restaurant performance. It also contributes to the body of knowledge by studying the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency in the hypothesized relationship.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of financial performance of the rural microenterprises, with microcredit access as the mediating variable. Design/methodology/approach A survey using a self-administered questionnaire to the managers/owners of the rural microenterprises was adopted. The data was collected on the three study variables; financial literacy, credit access and financial performance. A total of 148 fully completed and useable questionnaires were used in the analysis. The researchers performed factor analysis, correlations, regression and mediation analysis to test the hypotheses. Findings The study revealed the existence of a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial literacy and microcredit access, microcredit access and financial performance. On the other hand the financial literacy had a significant but negative impact on the financial performance of the rural microenterprises. In the final analysis, financial literacy is only effective in impacting financial performance when mediated by microcredit access. We conclude that policies that emphasize financial literacy are ineffective in fostering the financial performance and growth of the microenterprises. Originality/value The study is original as it addresses the combined effect of credit rationing and resource based view theories to explain the financial performance of informal rural microenterprises that are the key livilihood business undertaking in many developing countries.
Purpose The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been increasingly investing in their economic and social development in recent years, yet the effectiveness of their spending remains unknown although they have been taking reforms to advance their spending efficiency practices. Design/methodology/approach The study applies a quantitative approach to analyze panel data using a multiple regression model based on the World Economic Forum (WEF) reports of the global competitiveness index (GCI) from 2009 until 2018. Findings The results show that policies' strength has a positive and significant influence, while national infrastructure and workforce empowerment have a negative and significant influence over the extent of spending efficiency implementation in the GCC countries. Research limitations/implications GCI disclosure assessment criteria changed in 2019 and then stopped in 2020 due to COVID-19. A different version of GCI was published in 2020, which focuses on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and no other issues have been published since then. This represented a barrier to recent data collection. Practical implications Practical contribution is the value added by this study to a minimal literature on spending efficiency in the GCC countries. This study’s theoretical contribution to knowledge is the integration of the new institutional sociology (NIS) perspective of institutional theory and the resource slack theory to investigate a set of factors rarely explored in relation to their impact on governmental spending efficiency. Social implications This study provides the following recommendations for policymakers: The GCC government should direct government training bodies and universities (in business majors) to include mandatory spending efficiency subjects to enhance current knowledge. Also, the governmental-related bodies of spending efficiency should make agreements with universities and research centers to improve the diverse R&D aspects of government spending efficiency. Another important recommendation is to enforce the adoption of the GRC concept regarding spending efficiency practices for governmental employees to guide them towards implementing spending efficiency practices. Originality/value This study's theoretical contribution to knowledge is the integration of the new institutional sociology (NIS) perspective of institutional theory and the resource slack theory to investigate a set of factors rarely explored in relation to their impact on governmental spending efficiency. Also, the practical contribution is the value added by this study to a minimal literature on spending efficiency in the GCC countries. The research has established empirical evidence to support the findings above.
Purpose This paper aims to examine the low-cost carriers (LCC) impact on the high-quality carriers (HQC) in the aviation industry. The impact of LCCs on high-quality producers in the aviation industry has been a significant and multifaceted phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a captivating case study approach, investigating into the intricate fabric of the subject matter. Interviews serve as the cornerstone of primary evidence, offering first-hand insights, while secondary data sourced from documents adds depth to the exploration of the challenges encountered by the HQC. Findings The study concludes that LCCs have disrupted the traditional aviation landscape by offering low fares, simplified service models and aggressive cost-cutting strategies. This disruption has affected both the high-quality producers, such as full-service airlines. Full-service airlines have adopted a strategy of segmenting their market by offering multiple fare classes, with varying levels of service and flexibility. This allows them to target both price-sensitive travelers and those seeking premium services, catering to a broader customer base. The competition from LCCs has spurred innovation within the aviation industry, leading to advancements in technology, digital services and operational efficiency. Airlines, both LCCs and traditional carriers, have had to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and embrace digital solutions for booking, check-in and in-flight services. Research limitations/implications While this study provides a valuable cost-benefit analysis of the impact of LCC on high-quality producers in the aviation industry, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations and recognize the avenues for future research to further enhance our understanding of this complex and evolving industry landscape. While this study contributes valuable insights into the impact of LCCs on high-quality producers in the aviation industry, it is essential to recognize its limitations and identify opportunities for future research to expand our understanding of this complex and dynamic landscape. By addressing these limitations and exploring new avenues of inquiry, we can continue to advance our knowledge and inform evidence-based decision-making within the industry. Originality/value This study pioneers an exploration into the intricate tapestry of factors molding the future of the aviation sector. Through its groundbreaking analysis, it furnishes indispensable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers and the discerning traveling public, setting a new benchmark for understanding and navigating the aviation landscape.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth rate and inflation rate in Nigeria. We are interested in determining whether the rate of economic growth and inflation changed significantly after the issuance of a non-interest bearing CBDC in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachTwo-stage least squares regression and granger causality test were used to analyze the data.FindingsInflation significantly increased in the CBDC period, implying that CBDC issuance did not decrease the rate of inflation in Nigeria. Economic growth rate significantly increased in the CBDC period, implying that CBDC issuance improved economic growth in Nigeria. The financial sector, agricultural sector and manufacturing sector witnessed a much stronger contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) after CBDC issuance. There is one-way granger causality between CBDC issuance and monthly inflation, implying that CBDC issuance causes a significant change in monthly inflation in Nigeria. The implication of the result is that the non-interest bearing eNaira CBDC is not able to solve the twin economic problem of “controlling inflation which stifles economic growth” and “stimulating economic growth which leads to more inflation.” Policy makers should therefore use the eNaira CBDC alongside other monetary policy tools at their disposal to control inflation while stimulating growth in the economy.Originality/valueThere are no empirical studies on the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth or inflation using real-world data. We add to the monetary economics literature by analyzing the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth and inflation.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on some fiscal and monetary indicators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach The research relied on data, studies and reports issued by the International Monetary Fund, Arab Monetary Fund, Saudi Central Bank, Investing Website and the World in Data Website. Findings Many sectors have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which outbreak has been associated with a high cost, in addition to increased inflation and prices, a result that was confirmed by the increase in consumer price indices for different sectors. The general consumer price index for the second period rose above that of the first period, while an upward shift occurred in the curve depicting the Saudi Riyal exchange rate against the United States (US) dollar during the second period above that of the first period, only in slope, due to outbreak of the pandemic. Impact of the number of daily new cases infected with COVID-19 was the highest on the opening and closing price indices of the food retail sector, the pharmaceutical sector and the transportation sector; while impact of the number of daily deaths by COVID-19 was the highest on the opening and closing price indices of the banking sector, the general index and the investment and finance sector. In addition, impact of the daily reproduction rate of COVID-19 was the highest on the opening price indices of the energy sector, the food production sector and the transportation sector. Research limitations/implications The research aims to demonstrate measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through fiscal and monetary policies. Practical implications The COVID-19 pandemic is still an ongoing global pandemic. The virus was first identified in Wuhan City in China at the beginning of December 2019. At the end of January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of the virus represented a public health emergency, and later, on March 11, 2020, WHO declared the situation had transformed into a pandemic. Until January 17, 2022, the pandemic had caused more than 328 million cases and 545 million deaths, while 188 million of the cases had recovered. It is worth mentioning that the pandemic caused several social and economic disruptions, including a global economic recession; shortages in goods, supplies and equipment due to consumers' panic and thus tendency to buy; besides causing other disruptions like the negative impacts on health, as well as political, cultural, religious and sport events that influenced economic policies, including both the fiscal and monetary policies of world countries (Wikipedia, 2022). Social implications Social implications steps that taken to reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to measuring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (as the main event next to which other events fade up) on some of the fiscal and monetary indicators for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Originality/value The research aims to demonstrate measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through fiscal and monetary policies to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to measuring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (as the main event next to which other events fade up) on some of the fiscal and monetary indicators for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Purpose This study assesses the factors influencing customers’ intention to adopt e-banking in the context of the technology acceptance model and the moderation role of cybercrime. Design/methodology/approach The variables in the study are measured using a five-point Likert scale with measures adopted from existing literature. The independent variables are perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and security and privacy. These are postulated to be moderated by the perceived risk of cybercrime and to influence e-banking adoption intentions. A quantitative approach is used. Primary data are collected from a sample of 209 randomly selected bank customers. The study uses a two-step (measurement model and structural model) approach to data analysis. Findings The key findings in this study are that perceived risk of cybercrime strengthens the positive relationship between perceived ease of use and e-banking adoption intentions but dampens or weakens the positive relationship between perceived usefulness and customers’ e-banking adoption intentions. The study makes several recommendations to inform scholarship, policy and practice. Originality/value Unlike existing literature, the study makes a unique contribution by including perceived risk of cybercrime as a moderating variable of theoretical significance in the relationship between adoption of e-banking and its determinants.
Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between internal and external factors and job satisfaction, and between job satisfaction and auditors’ performance. Design/methodology/approach This research used deductive approach. Data was gathered from 83 auditors in the Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) database. By implementing the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique, the suggested hypotheses were examined. Findings The results show that internal factors, i.e., achievement, advancement, recognition and growth, significantly impact job satisfaction. Subsequently, the external factors, i.e., company policies, relationship with a peer and relationship with supervisor, significantly impact job satisfaction. In contrast, work security has no relationship with job satisfaction. Furthermore, job satisfaction is a significant driver for auditors' performance. Research limitations/implications This research sheds light on the relationships between internal and external factors, job satisfaction and auditors' performance in the Saudi context. It would be interesting to investigate these relationships in a different setting, such as a different country, time or industry. Future studies should broaden the sample frame to include different types of employees to obtain more generalisable results. Practical implications This study may help managers of auditing departments formulate appropriate strategies and design effective programs to increase the level of job satisfaction between auditors by enhancing such factors, which will lead to improving the auditors' performance. Originality/value This research provide an empirical evidence to support the theoretical assumptions of Herzberg's which is much needed.
Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between innovation capabilities (INVC) and export performance (EXPERF) of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, the paper aims to investigate the moderating effect of risk-taking propensity (RSTP) in the relationship between INVC and the SMEs’ EXPERF. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was used and data were collected through structured questionnaires from 250 manufacturing exporting SMEs in Tanzania. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the measurement model. The hypotheses were empirically tested using PROCESS macro test. Findings The findings affirm that INVC is a significant predictor of EXPERF. Additionally, RSTP was found to be a significant moderator of the relationship between INVC and EXPERF. Research limitations/implications Although the study was able to accomplish its overall objective, it is limited in terms of the context under which the study was conducted. This study covered only manufacturing SMEs in a single country, Tanzania. Hence, the findings should be interpreted with caution since each country has specific institutional environments that support innovation. Originality/value The findings of this study expand the application of the resource-based view (RBV) theory in exporting context. The study revealed how INVC as an intangible resource can lead to successful performance. Hence, the findings of this study broaden the applicability of RBV theory. Also, this study contributes to the debate about the innovation-export performance relationship by revealing a moderating role of RSTP in the relationship between INVC and EXPERF.