The impacts of supply chain practices on the sustainability performance of small and medium enterprises

The research is likely to offer an effective model that will not only allow SMEs to develop a substantial positive influence on their current performance and efficiency levels but also create a resilience impact at a long-term threshold and promote long-term sustainability at the multifaceted organizational level. It is assumed that the betterment can be achieved primarily as a strategic identification and resultant maximization of best practice in the context of their supply chain management (SCM). Primary data was obtained primarily because of a massive dissemination of structured questionnaires, which was conducted as part of a massive survey. The sample used in the survey was a vast and heterogeneous sample of 340 SMEs highly selected to cover the various regions of the Saudi Arabian economy and represent the sector of SMEs in an exhaustive manner. The form of structural equation branch of multivariate statistics used in the study was the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) which is highly effective in the testing of the relationship between a complex cause and effect and the test theoretical models through latent variable, so that the resulted quantitative data can be analyzed. The implication of improving the economic, environmental and social performance of SMEs in Saudi Arabia is primarily based on information quality and exchange practices, innovative technology, strategic partnerships and supplier relationships. The findings affirm that strategic innovation is significant in the relationship of strategic innovation and digitization of SME. According to the outcomes, SMEs by relevant planning and changing such practices will not only be able to increase their financial sustainability and the efficiency of their operations, but also the level of their influence on the environment and their social responsibility. The reason behind this is that the expert knowledge of strategic planners assists them make certain projections to contribute to the economic, environmental and social sustainability linking them with supply chain practices. The paper recommends that strategic decision makers operating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia should strive to improve the supply chain activities to maximize the sustainability of their economic, environmental, and social activities.