Strategic Distribution Capability and SME Innovation Performance: The Roles of Employee Innovative Behaviour, Open Innovation, and Digital Adoption
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Authors: Musa Usman;<br>Mohammed Usman Ndayebo;<br>Suleiman Abdullahl;<br>Isah Nda Isah;<br>Lawal Sani
Affiliations: Business Administration and Management Department, Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru
Corresponding Author: usmanmusabida@gmail.com
Published in: ESUI Business and Management Journal, Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)
Pages: 118-126
ISSN: 1595-5656
Views: 7 | Downloads: 1
Status: Approved
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Abstract
This study examines the effect of strategic distribution capability on SME innovation performance, considering the mediating roles of employee innovative behavior and open innovation, and the moderating role of digital technology adoption. Drawing on dynamic capability theory, we analyze multisource survey data from 320 SMEs in Niger State, Nigeria using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results reveal that strategic distribution capability positively influences innovation performance both directly and indirectly through employee innovative behavior and open innovation. The sequential mediation pathway from strategic distribution capability through employee innovative behavior and open innovation to innovation performance is significant. However, contrary to expectations, digital technology adoption does not moderate the open innovation-performance relationship, revealing important boundary conditions in resource-constrained contexts. Our findings extend dynamic capability theory by elucidating the microfoundations of capability-driven innovation and provide practical guidance for SME managers and policymakers.
Keywords
Distribution capability,innovation performance,employee innovative behavior,open innovation,digital technology adoption
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Format: PDF | Size: 508 KBHow to Cite
Musa Usman; Mohammed Usman Ndayebo; Suleiman Abdullahl; Isah Nda Isah; Lawal Sani. (2026). "Strategic Distribution Capability and SME Innovation Performance: The Roles of Employee Innovative Behaviour, Open Innovation, and Digital Adoption." ESUI Business and Management Journal, 3(1), 118-126.
Publication Timeline
- Received: May 12, 2026
- Accepted: May 12, 2026
- Published: May 12, 2026
- Last Updated: May 14, 2026
DC.Title: Strategic Distribution Capability and SME Innovation Performance: The Roles of Employee Innovative Behaviour, Open Innovation, and Digital Adoption DC.Creator: Musa Usman; Mohammed Usman Ndayebo; Suleiman Abdullahl; Isah Nda Isah; Lawal Sani DC.Date.issued: 2026-05-12 DC.Source: ESUI Business and Management Journal DC.Source.Volume: 3 DC.Source.Issue: 1 DC.Identifier: 98 DC.Language: en DC.Type: Text.Serial.Journal DC.Rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Musa Usman; Mohammed Usman Ndayebo; Suleiman Abdullahl; Isah Nda Isah; Lawal Sani DC.Rights.License: CC BY 4.0 DC.Identifier.PDF: https://esuibusinessjournal.com/uploads/manuscripts/6a031558492a4_Strategic_Distribution_Capability_and_SME_Innovation_Performance__The_Roles_of_Employee_Innovative_Behaviour__Open_Innovation__and_Digital_Adoption.pdf