THE EFFECT OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES PERFORMANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL INERTIA

Abstract

In Sri Lanka especially in Batticaloa, the studies related to dynamic capabilities, organizational inertia and organizational performance are rare and there is need to fill this empirical gap by investigating the influence of the dynamic capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on organizational performance, and the interaction between dynamic capabilities and organizational inertia in a volatile environment. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to examine the relationship among these three variables and to assess the moderating role of organizational inertia in relationship between dynamic capabilities and organizational performance. The findings indicated that the variables have significant relationships among them and further findings of this study revealed that organizational inertia negatively moderates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and organizational performance of SMEs in Manmunai North Divisional Secretariat in Batticaloa District. By addressing the findings of this study SME owners could try to reduce the inertia in their business by which the relationship between dynamic capabilities and performance can be induced and this lead the businesses in achieving competitive advantages.