Purpose: – This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of performance management in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by integrating bibliometric insights with a systematic literature review. The primary focus is to identify the antecedent factors that influence SME performance and to explore the outcomes achieved through effective performance management in the SME context. Design/methodology/approach: This research combines a bibliometric analysis of 370 articles published between 2020 and 2025 from the Scopus database to examine research trends, and a systematic literature review (SLR) of 25 selected articles to analyze the relationship between performance-influencing factors and their results. The combined findings from these studies provide insight into the key factors that affect SME performance. Findings: – This study identifies organizational strategy, innovation, leadership, and human resources as the primary antecedent factors influencing SME performance. The outcomes of effective performance management include improved financial performance, competitive advantage, product and process innovation, and international market expansion. The research also reveals a growing trend of integrating digital technology and sustainability into SME performance management. Originality/value: – This research makes a novel contribution by combining bibliometric analysis and an SLR to develop a conceptual model of SME performance management grounded in the latest empirical findings. This model provides a structured framework for effectively managing SME performance, thereby informing future research and practice.
Muhammad Irfani Hendri (Wed,) studied this question.