Uncertainty as A Moderator: An Empirical Framework Linking Marketing Strategies to SME Performance
-
https://doi.org/10.14419/8j79fx28
Received date: June 21, 2025
Accepted date: July 20, 2025
Published date: July 27, 2025
-
Firm Performance; Hierarchical Regression Analysis; Marketing Strategy; Moderation; SMEs; Uncertainty -
Abstract
This empirical study examines the direct and moderated relationships among marketing strategy and firm performance of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during periods of uncertainty. Precisely, this study examines how the price, product, place, and promotion strategy as components of marketing strategy influence SME’s performance and also checks the uncertainty’s role as a moderator. The data from 435 registered SMEs were collected from different sectors, and hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the pro-posed hypotheses. The study’s findings reflect the significant effect of price, place, and promotion strategies on SMEs' performance, while no direct effect is seen in the case of product strategy. Uncertainty also significantly impacts SMEs' performance and has a moderating role among marketing strategies and firm performance, except for place strategy. The findings highlight that SME’s need to change their marketing strategies during uncertainty to sustain their performance. The study also contributes empirical evidence to the marketing strategy and SMEs performance literature and provides practical guidance for SME’s marketing managers and owners on how to cope with uncertainty effectively.
-
References
- Adewale, G., Adesola, M. A., & Oyewale, I. O. (2013). Impact of marketing strategy on business performance: A study of selected small and me-dium enterprises (SMEs) in Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 11(4), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.9790/487X-1145966.
- Alberti, F. G., Ferrario, S., & Pizzurno, E. (2018). Resilience: Resources and strategies of SMEs in a new theoretical framework. International Jour-nal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 15(2), 165–184. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLIC.2018.091969.
- Amin, M., Gohar, M., & Ali, I. (2025). Impact of digital transformation on SME’s marketing performance: Role of social media and market turbu-lence. Discover Sustainability, 6, 378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01228-3.
- Apaydın, F. (2011). Changes in marketing strategies and performance outcomes of Turkish firms in 2008 global economic recession. International Business Research, 4(4), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v4n4p104.
- Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage: A framework. Journal of Management Studies, 28(4), 431-452.
- Bamiatzi, V. C., & Kirchmaier, T. (2012). Strategies for superior performance under adverse conditions: A focus on small and medium-sized high-growth firms. International Small Business Journal, 32(3), 259–284. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242612459534.
- Canwat, V. (2024) COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions: resilience and vulnerability of micro, small and medium enterprises, Cogent Busi-ness & Management, 11(1), 2315691, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2315691.
- Cascaldi, G. D., Cisil, S., Juan, M. L., Bo, S., Deepa, D., Thiago, F., Olesya, G., Mohammad, R., Francesca, L., Sai, M., Marius, R., Ilknur Z., & John, R. (2023). What is certain about uncertainty? Journal of Economic Literature, 61(2), 624–54. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.20211645.
- Cass, A. O., & Julian, C. (2003). Examining firm and environmental influences on export marketing mix strategy and export performance of Aus-tralian exporters. European Journal of Marketing, 37(3/4), 366-384. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560310459005.
- Chandler, A. D. (1962). Strategy and structure. MIT Press
- Chari, S., Katsikeas, C. S., Balabanis, G., & Robson, M. J. (2014). Emergent marketing strategies and performance: The effects of market uncertain-ty and strategic feedback systems. British Journal of Management, 24, 145–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2012.00843.x.
- Chin, A. T., Bakar, A., Hamid, A., Rasli, A., & Hon, H. (2014). A literature analysis on the relationship between external integration, environmental uncertainty and firm performance in Malaysian SMEs. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 130, 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.010.
- Cooper, G. R. (1984). The performance impact of product innovation strategies, European Journal of Marketing, 18(5), 5-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000004787.
- Courtney, H., Kirkland, J., & Viguerie, P. (1997). Strategy under uncertainty. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1997/11/strategy-under-uncertainty.
- Coviello, N. E., & Sinkovics, R. (2003). The effects of marketing strategy on small firm performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Small Business Management, 41(1), 71-90.
- Cyert, R. M., & March, J. G. (1963). A behavioral theory of the firm. Prentice-Hall.
- Dangisso, M. Y. (2019). The effect of marketing challenges on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises: A case of Loka Abaya Woreda, Sidama Zone, SNNPRS, Ethiopia. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Research, 55, 42. https://doi.org/10.7176/JMCR/55-05.
- Donaldson, L. (2001). The contingency theory of organizations. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452229249.
- Doole, I., Grimes, T. and Demack, S. (2006) ‘An exploration of the management practices and processes most closely associated with high levels of export capability in SMEs’, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 24(6), 632–647. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634500610701690.
- Dzisi, S., Ofosu, D., Studies, M., Polytechnic, K., & Polytechnic, K. (2014). Marketing strategies and the performance of SMEs in Ghana. Europe-an Journal of Business and Management, 6(5), 102–111.
- Emery, F. E., & Trist, E. L. (1965). The causal texture of organizational environments. Human Relations, 18(1), 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872676501800103.
- Freel, M. S. (2005). Perceived environmental uncertainty and innovation in small firms. Small Business Economics, 25(1), 49–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-005-4257-9.
- George, D., & Mallery, P. (2003). SPSS for Windows step by step: A simple guide and reference (4th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
- Greenley, G. E. (1989). An understanding of marketing strategy. European Journal of Marketing, 23(8), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000000583.
- Hadi, S., & Supardi. (2020). Revitalization strategy for small and medium enterprises after corona virus disease pandemic (Covid-19) in Yogyakarta. Journal of Xi'an University of Architecture & Technology, 12(4), 4068-4076.
- Hanna, N., Kizilbash, A. H., & Smart, A. (1975). Marketing strategy under conditions of economic scarcity. Journal of Marketing, 39(1), 63–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224297503900110.
- Hill, W. L., & Jones, G. R. (2016). Strategic management: Theories and cases (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Idris, W., & Momani, R. (2013). Impact of environmental dynamism on marketing strategy comprehensiveness and organizational performance. In-ternational Journal of Business and Management, 8(9), 40–49. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v8n9p40.
- IIFL Finance. (2024, December 18). The role of MSMEs in boosting India's GDP: Facts and insights. IIFL Knowledge Center. https://www.iifl.com/knowledge-center/msme/role-of-msmes-in-boosting-indias-gdp.
- Ikudaisi, O. L., Solola, L. S., & Ayibiowu, S. B. (2024). Marketing strategies and performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State. International Journal of Research and Review, 11(10), 495–505. https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20241045.
- Jauch, L. R., & Kraft, L. K. (1986). Strategic management of uncertainty. Academy of Management Review, 11(4), 777–790. https://doi.org/10.2307/258396.
- Jaworski, B. J., & Kohli, A. K. (1993). Market orientation: Antecedents and consequences. Journal of Marketing, 57(3), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224299305700304.
- Knight, G. (2000). Entrepreneurship and Marketing Strategy: The SME under globalization. Journal of International Marketing, 8(2), 12-32. https://doi.org/10.1509/jimk.8.2.12.19620.
- Koksal, H. M., & Ozgul, E. (2007). The relationship between marketing strategies and performance in an economic crisis. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 25(4), 326-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634500710754574.
- Kotha, S., & Nair, A. (1995). Strategy and environment as determinants of performance: Evidence from the Japanese machine tool industry. Strate-gic Management Journal, 16(7), 497-518. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250160702.
- Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing management (15th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Laila, N., Sukmaningrum, P. S., Wan Ngah, W. A. S., Rosyidi, L. N., & Rahmawati, I. (2024). An in-depth analysis of digital marketing trends and prospects in small and medium-sized enterprises: Utilizing bibliometric mapping. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1), 2336565. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2336565.
- March, J. G., & Simon, H. A. (1958). Organizations. Wiley.
- Merschmann, U., & Thonemann, U. W. (2011). Supply chain flexibility, uncertainty and firm performance: An empirical analysis of German manu-facturing firms. International Journal of Production Economics, 130(1), 43–53 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2010.10.013.
- Miller, D., & Friesen, P. H. (1983). Strategy-making and environment: The third link. Strategic Management Journal, 4(3), 221–235. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250040304.
- Miller, K. D. (1992). A framework for integrated risk management in international business. Journal of International Business Studies, 23(2), 311–331. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8490270.
- Milliken, F. J. (1987). Three types of perceived uncertainty about the environment: State, effect, and response uncertainty. Academy of Manage-ment Review, 12(1), 133-143. https://doi.org/10.2307/257999.
- Morgan, N. A., Vorhies, D. W., & Mason, C. H. (2009). Market orientation, marketing capabilities, and firm performance. Strategic Management Journal, 30(8), 909–920. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.764.
- Nadaf R., & Kadakol, A. M. (2017). A study of major problem, prospects and performance aspects of MSME’s in India. International Journal of Business, Management and Allied Sciences, 4(4), 177–184
- Odunlami, I. B. (2013). Effects of factor analysis on the questionnaire of strategic marketing mix on organisational objectives of food and beverage industry. European Journal of Business and Management, 5(18), 47–54.
- O'Dwyer, M., Gilmore, A. & Carson, D. (2009), Innovative marketing in SMEs. European Journal of Marketing,43(1/2), 46-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560910923238.
- Olson, E. M., Slater, S. F., & Hult, G. T. M. (2005). The performance implications of fit among business strategy, marketing organization structure, and strategic behavior. Journal of Marketing, 69(3), 49–65. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkg.69.3.49.66362
- Porter, M. E. (1985). The competitive advantage: creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press.
- Ranjan, P. (2023). IT-related resources, digital marketing capabilities and business performance: Moderating effects of digital orientation and tech-nological turbulence. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 123(11), 2836–2856. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-11-2022-0675.
- Ravindran, D., Jaheer Mukthar, K. P., Zarzosa-Marquez, E., Pérez Falcón, J., Jamanca-Anaya, R., & Silva-Gonzales, L. (2023). Impact of digital marketing and IoT tools on MSME’s sales performance and business sustainability. In M. Al Mubarak & A. Hamdan (Eds.), Technological sustain-ability and business competitive advantage (pp. 65–77). Internet of Things. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35525-7_5.
- Richard, P. J., Devinney, T. M., Yip, G. S., & Johnson, G. (2009). Measuring organizational performance: Towards methodological best practice. Journal of Management, 35(3), 718–804. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206308330560
- Rosario, A. T. & Dias, J. C. (2023). Marketing Strategies on Social Media Platforms. International Journal of E-Business Research (IJEBR), 19(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJEBR.316969.
- Rosyidiana, R. N., & Narsa, I. M. (2024). Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) during the post-pandemic economic recovery peri-od: Digitalization, literation, innovation, and its impact on financial performance. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1), 2342488. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2342488.
- Shama, A. (1978). Management & consumers in an era of stagflation. Journal of Marketing, 42(3), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224297804200310.
- Sharfaei, S., Wei Ong, J., & Ojo, A. O. (2023). The impact of market uncertainty on international SME performance. Cogent Business & Manage-ment, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2198160.
- Slater, S. F., Hult, G. T. M., & Olson, E. M. (2006). Moderating the influence of strategic orientation on the strategy formation capability–performance relationship. Strategic Management Journal, 27(12), 1221–1231. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.569.
- Simangunsong, E., Hendry, L.C., & Stevenson, M. (2012). Supply-Chain uncertainty: A review and theoretical foundation for future research. In-ternational Journal of Production Research 50(16), 4493–4523. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2011.613864.
- Sniazhko, S. (2019). Uncertainty in decision-making: A review of the international business literature. Cogent Business & Management, 6(1), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2019.1650692.
- Sopha, B., Ferry, J., & Himadhani, M. (2020). Analysis of the uncertainty sources and SMEs' performance. Journal of Small Business & Entrepre-neurship, 33(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/08276331.2020.1764737.
- Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2021). Using multivariate statistics (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Trivedi, J. Y. (2013). A Study on Marketing Strategies of Small and Medium sized Enterprises. Research Journal of Management Sciences, 2(8), 20-22.
- Vasani, S., & Abdulkareem, A. M. (2024). MSME market presence and competitiveness in a global economy. Cogent Economics & Finance, 12(1), 2416992. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2024.2416992.
- World Bank. (2024). Small and medium enterprises finance. World Bank website. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/smefinance.
- Wu, C.W., Botella-Carrubi, D., & Blanco-González-Tejero, C. (2024). The empirical study of digital marketing strategy and performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 200, 123142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123142.
- Yahaya, H. D., & Nadarajah, G. (2023). Determining key factors influencing SMEs’ performance: A systematic literature review and experts’ veri-fication. Cogent Business & Management, 10(3), 2251195. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2251195.
- Yalo, M. I., Enimola, D. J., & Nafiu, A. T. (2019). Effects of marketing strategies on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Ko-gi State. European Journal of Business and Management, 11(7).
- Yan, S., & Chew, D. (2011). An investigation of marketing strategy, business environment and performance of construction SMEs in China. Afri-can Journal of Business Management, 5(15), 2396-2405.
-
Downloads
-
How to Cite
Yadav, O. ., & Mahapatra, S. N. . (2025). Uncertainty as A Moderator: An Empirical Framework Linking Marketing Strategies to SME Performance. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(3), 292-303. https://doi.org/10.14419/8j79fx28
