The impact of symbiotic relations on the performance of micro, small and medium enterprises in a small-town context: The perspective of risk and return

Abstract

This study uses a financial lens to investigate and discuss how symbiotic relationships can enhance business performance, particularly in terms of risk and return for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A mixed-method approach, using both Partial Least Square Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and thematic analysis, is employed to analyse the information from 200 MSMEs. The findings indicate that symbiotic relationships among businesses help MSMEs to reduce risks and increase returns. The study provides a model that is potentially applicable to other settings and pertinent for policymakers, trade associations and MSMEs.