Fuelling Success : How Learning – Driven Innovation Supercharges SMEs’ Performance

Gurpreet Pal Kaur; Harish Saini; Harpreet Singh Bedi

doi:10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i10/174989

Fuelling Success : How Learning – Driven Innovation Supercharges SMEs’ Performance

Authors

Gurpreet Pal Kaur Assistant Professor, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara - 144 402, Punjab https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7475-3548
Harish Saini Assistant Professor, Chitkara University, Rajpura - 140 401, Punjab https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3850-7678
Harpreet Singh Bedi Professor (Corresponding Author), Department of Management, Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara - 144 402, Punjab https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3645-7403

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i10/174989

Keywords:

learning-orientation, small and medium enterprises, innovativeness, business performance, strategy.
JEL Classification Codes : D83, L25, L26, O31
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : October 25, 2024 ; Paper sent back for Revision : July 29, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : September 15, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : October 15, 2025

Abstract

Purpose : The present study examined the impact of learning orientation on the performance outcomes of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on innovativeness as a mediating factor.

Methodology : A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 413 SMEs in Punjab, India, on learning orientation, innovativeness, and business performance. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings : The study revealed a positive relationship between learning orientation and business performance in SMEs. Additionally, innovativeness has been identified as a significant mediator in this relationship, highlighting that learning orientation fosters innovative practices that, in turn, improve business performance.

Practical Implications : This study provided valuable guidance for management practitioners and academicians. The study revealed how learning orientation impacted business performance through innovativeness.

Originality : The study offered a perspective on how SMEs could strategically use learning orientation to improve their overall performance and capacity for innovation.

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Published

2025-10-15

How to Cite

Kaur, G. P., Saini, H., & Bedi, H. S. (2025). Fuelling Success : How Learning – Driven Innovation Supercharges SMEs’ Performance. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(10), 43–60. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i10/174989

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Issue

Volume 18, Issue 10, October 2025

Section

Articles

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