Digital Leadership and Sustainable Performance of Vietnam Smes: Roles of Organizational Learning and Intellectual Capital

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigates the impact of Digital Leadership (DL) on Sustainable Performance (SP). Specifically, it examines the mediating role of Organizational Learning (OL) and the moderating effect of Intellectual Capital, which includes Human Capital (HC), Organizational Capital (OC), and Relational Capital (RC).
Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV), the proposed model is developed and quantitatively tested using survey data collected through a purposive sampling method. Data were obtained both in person and online, yielding 498 valid responses from SME representatives with at least five years of leadership experience.
Findings: The results reveal that DL has a positive effect on SP and confirm the mediating role of OL in this relationship. Notably, RC significantly moderates the mediating effect of OL, whereas the moderating effects of HC and OC are not statistically significant.
Originality/value: The findings advance the Upper Echelons Theory and the Natural Resource-Based View. Hence, the study recommends that SMEs are encouraged to strengthen their relationship networks and partnerships to leverage leadership-driven learning for achieving sustainable growth.