Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of smart technologies on SMEs sustainability and to measure the mediation effect of SMEs’ sustainability strategy in the relationship between smart technologies and SMEs’ sustainable performance in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The sustainability concept for the purpose of this study includes environmental sustainability, social sustainability and profitability factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applied the quantitative analysis method. The sample size was 403 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Bahrain.
Findings
The study concludes that smart technology has a major effect on profitability performance, among other sustainable performance factors. In addition, there is no mediation effect of “SMEs’ sustainability strategy”. The study has recommended improving SMEs’ participation in sustainable development principles by considering supportive global initiatives to “Net Zero Roadmap 2050”, increasing the demand for using technologies and including academic “sustainability” concepts in academic programs.
Originality/value
This study contributes significantly to Bahrain’s economic growth by studying the proactive and innovative methods for increasing SMEs’ efficiency. Furthermore, it adds value to Bahrain’s national economy by investigating the role of SMEs and its strategic practices by implementing smart businesses towards developing business empowerment in Bahrain’s economic vision for 2030 and meeting SDGs regionally and globally.
The study aims to identify the impact of digital transformation as a mediating variable in the relationship between organizational culture and job satisfaction. The data were collected from a random sample of faculty and staff members in Saudi universities, where 350 valid responses were obtained for analysis. The study finds a positive and strong correlation between organizational culture and its dimensions (values, expectations, norms, policies, and procedures) and job satisfaction and its dimensions (work requirements factors, labor relations factors, work conditions factors). Also, there is a positive and strong relationship between organizational culture and digital transformation and between digital transformation and job satisfaction. Moreover, there is a partial mediating effect (direct and indirect) of digital transformation and its dimensions (setting strategy, building culture, managing field operations) on the relationship between organizational culture and job satisfaction at the level of basic variables and their dimensions for spreading awareness of the importance of digital transformation in various institutions, including universities. This reveals the difficulties facing Saudi universities in the process of digital transformation, considering the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reached several conclusions. First, lower administrative levels are not allowed to participate in the planning of new applications. Second, the training programs offered to civil and technical workers in the universities under study are weak. The study recommended the necessity of continuous improvement of networks, computers, and software to improve working conditions.
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