Critique: Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Market Orientation, and Total Quality Management on Performance: Evidence from Saudi SMEs

1. INTRODUCTION

Gamal Abdualmajed Ali, Haim Hilman, and Abdullahi Hassan Gorondutse's journal article "Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Market Orientation, and Total Quality Management on Performance: Evidence from Saudi SMEs" is highly relevant and significant in the Saudi market. It offers insightful information that can significantly improve the battle of SMEs in a fiercely competitive market like Saudi Arabia.

First, by focusing on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), total quality management (TQM), and performance specifically within the Saudi context, the study fills a significant research vacuum. This specialized viewpoint is essential since it enables Saudi Arabian SME managers to comprehend the market's dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly. The study's conclusions show the favourable effects of EO, MO, and TQM on SME performance and offer convincing justification for adopting and putting these strategic orientations and practices into reality.

SMEs in a highly competitive market like Saudi Arabia confront a variety of difficulties when it comes to operational efficiency, customer happiness, and differentiation. The post emphasizes the importance of being entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and quality-driven and provides helpful advice to SMEs in the Saudi market. SMEs can better recognize and seize opportunities, comprehend consumer needs, and gain a competitive edge by adopting entrepreneurial and market orientations. Additionally, SMEs are able to improve their operating procedures, provide high-quality goods or services, and foster long-term client relationships by putting into practice effective comprehensive quality management strategies.

By providing useful insights and suggestions for enhancing performance, the research findings aid SMEs' struggles in the Saudi market. SMEs can more successfully manage the difficulties of the very competitive Saudi market by adopting the ideas of EO, MO, and TQM. The essay is a helpful resource for SME managers and entrepreneurs, offering them evidence-based tactics to boost their performance overall and competitiveness.

2. ANALYSIS

2.1. Objectives of the Paper

The article's goal is to investigate the connection between Saudi SMEs' performance and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), and total quality management (TQM). By using a survey questionnaire that was sent out to a sample of Saudi SMEs, the authors were able to accomplish their goal of addressing it. Given the growing importance of SMEs in the Saudi Arabian economic environment, the objective of evaluating these crucial aspects within the local context is pertinent and appropriate.

However, in order to direct readers and give a clear focus, the article's goals may have been defined more explicitly. The study's goals would have been more clearly stated if the research questions or hypotheses had been defined in detail. Additionally, by including a broader perspective on the difficulties Saudi SMEs encounter, the article's vision may have been more aspirational. A more thorough grasp of the background and increased practical relevance of the findings would have resulted from taking into account elements like outside environmental impacts, governmental regulations, or cultural features.

Additionally, a more nuanced assessment of the research's constraints and ramifications would have improved the essay. The validity and generalizability of the findings might have been improved by providing a thorough study of any confounding variables or contextual factors that could have influenced the connections observed. The article's impact may have been increased further by providing SME managers with useful suggestions or tactics based on the research findings.

2.2. Research Methodology of the Paper

The authors chose a quantitative research strategy, gathering information from a sample of Saudi SMEs through a survey questionnaire. Although this methodology makes it possible to gather a lot of data, it might not be able to fully capture the depth and contextual nuances that qualitative methods can provide. A more thorough knowledge of the factors influencing the connections under inquiry would have been possible by combining the quantitative analysis with qualitative methods like interviews or case studies.

Additionally, the authors might have provided more information about the sampling method used and the sample's representativeness. Although the paper states that there were 250 valid responses in the sample, it would have been helpful to know how the sample was chosen and whether any biases in the selection process would have affected the results. A reader may have evaluated the generalizability of the results to the larger population of Saudi SMEs by incorporating information on the demographic features of the sample, such as industry distribution or firm size.

Even if the authors' research methodology shows a systematic approach when looking at the effect of entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, and total quality management on performance in Saudi SMEs, there are still certain areas that could have been improved. The study's rigour and validity would have been improved by using qualitative methodologies to complement the quantitative analysis, providing more information on sampling and the representativeness of the sample, and improving the measurement of variables. Despite this, the technique used offers insightful information on the connections between these elements and SME success, laying the groundwork for further study and providing managerial advice.

2.3. Main Findings of the Paper

The primary conclusions of the study show that EO, MO, TQM, and the performance of Saudi SMEs have strong beneficial correlations. First, the authors discovered that the performance of SMEs is favourably influenced by entrepreneurial orientation, which includes risk-taking, innovation, and proactivity. In order to improve their performance in the Saudi market, SMEs must adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, be willing to take measured risks and pursue cutting-edge methods. SMEs can take advantage of possibilities and maintain an advantage in the market by doing this.

The study also emphasizes the beneficial link between market orientation and SME performance. Market orientation, which was determined to be crucial for improving performance, describes a company's capacity to comprehend and address client needs. The report highlights the need for SMEs to put an emphasis on client happiness, market research, and ongoing market conditions adaption. SMEs can acquire a competitive edge and enhance their performance in the Saudi Arabian market by focusing on the needs of their customers and adapting their strategy to meet those needs.

Last but not least, the authors discovered a beneficial relationship between SME performance and total quality management (TQM). TQM places a strong emphasis on process improvement and the provision of high-quality goods or services. The report emphasizes how crucial it is for SMEs to adopt efficient TQM procedures in order to improve their operational effectiveness and provide consumers with better value. SMEs may boost quality and customer satisfaction levels, which will lead to better performance outcomes, by regularly reviewing and upgrading their internal procedures.

3. GAPS

This journal is found to be a valuable and insightful piece of research. It is believed that the essay gives practical advice for practitioners looking to improve the performance of their companies and makes a significant contribution to the field of SME management. It fills a research void in the Saudi Arabian context, making it a useful tool for people curious about the variables that influence the performance of SMEs in this particular market. Although the article established a couple of valuable pillars, plenty of weaknesses were pointed, including:

4. IMPLICATIONS

Field of Quality Management

The article contributes to the field in several ways. First, it fills a research gap by carefully examining the connection between performance in the context of Saudi SMEs and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), and total quality management (TQM). There was no empirical data on how these attitudes jointly affect SME success in the Saudi Arabian market prior to this study. Second, the quantitative research methodology used in the article offers empirical data that supports the favourable correlations between EO, MO, TQM, and SME success. By making these links, the study advances knowledge of how various strategic orientations may help SME performance in a country with intense competition like Saudi Arabia.

Field of Practitioner

In regards to what can practitioners learn from the article; the article emphasizes the value of having an entrepreneurial mindset, which includes being proactive, encouraging innovation, and taking calculated risks. Practitioners can discover how developing an entrepreneurial mindset can aid SMEs in spotting and seizing market opportunities, resulting in enhanced performance and a competitive edge. Additionally, the study highlights the beneficial relationship between SME performance and total quality management (TQM). Investing in quality-driven procedures and providing high-quality goods or services can increase operational effectiveness, customer loyalty, and overall business performance, practitioners can learn. However, the study offers practitioners in the area insights particular to their market environment because it is focused on the Saudi Arabian setting. Practitioners can be guided in creating plans that are in line with the local company environment by comprehending the particular difficulties and opportunities in the Saudi market.

Field of Policy Makers

On a national level, the study emphasizes the beneficial effects of market orientation, complete quality management, and entrepreneurial orientation on SME performance. Various findings can be used by policymakers to create and carry out specific policies that encourage and support SMEs in adopting various strategic orientations. Providing tools, training, and funding to improve entrepreneurial skills and market responsiveness can increase SME competitiveness and support economic growth. Additionally, the data might be used by policymakers to evaluate and simplify the regulatory landscape for SMEs. SME expansion and the creation of a more favourable business climate can be facilitated by streamlining administrative processes, lowering administrative burdens, and maintaining a supportive legal environment. Moreover,

5. CONCLUSION

The journal article substantially advanced the fields of quality management and SME management. The study fills a critical research void in the Saudi Arabian context by examining the connections between entrepreneurial approach, market orientation, overall quality management, and SME success. The quantitative research methodology used in the article offers significant empirical support for the favourable correlations between these orientations and SME performance. However, it is important to recognize the drawbacks, such as the need for a more thorough methodological approach, additional research into contextual elements, and a more precise explanation of measurement validity and reliability. Despite these drawbacks, the article's conclusions have application for practitioners, emphasizing the value of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, being customer-oriented, and putting into practice efficient quality management practices to increase SME competitiveness in the fiercely competitive Saudi market. The study provides policymakers with information that can be used to build targeted policies that foster SME growth, quality management, innovation, and a hospitable business climate, eventually promoting economic growth and prosperity across the country.