Leveraging Human Capital and Organizational Culture for Superior MSME Performance: Insights from the Tourism Sector
Keywords:
Human Capital; Organizational Culture; Sustainable Competitive Advantage; MSME Performance; Tourism MSMEs; Resource-Based ViewAbstract
Research Objectives:
This study investigates the effects of human capital and organizational culture on the performance of tourism-oriented micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with sustainable competitive advantage acting as a mediating variable within the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
A quantitative explanatory approach was employed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 133 owners and managers of tourism MSMEs in Kampar Regency, Indonesia, selected via purposive sampling. The measurement and structural models were evaluated through validity, reliability, R², SRMR, and NFI, while hypotheses were tested using bootstrapping at a 5% significance level.
Research Findings:
Human capital and organizational culture significantly enhance MSME performance and sustainable competitive advantage. Sustainable competitive advantage also positively influences performance and mediates the relationships between internal resources and organizational outcomes, underscoring the strategic role of intangible assets in achieving long-term competitiveness.
Theoretical Contribution/Originality:
This study advances RBV literature by empirically confirming the mediating role of sustainable competitive advantage and provides novel evidence from tourism MSMEs in Kampar Regency, an underexplored context.
Practical/Policy Implications:
MSME managers should prioritize workforce development and foster adaptive organizational cultures, while policymakers should support capacity-building initiatives and improved market access to strengthen sector sustainability.
Research Limitations and Future Implications:
The focus on a single region limits generalizability. Future studies should broaden geographic coverage and incorporate variables such as digital transformation and entrepreneurial orientation
