Women Fighting the Crisis: Antecedents of Women's Leadership Performance in Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study aims to empirically investigate the interplay between financial literacy, entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation, and the performance of food and beverage Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Bontang City, East Kalimantan Province. Method: The research, grounded in Resource-Based Theory (RBT), explores the mediation role of innovation ability in this relationship. The study encompasses 272 MSME owners as its population. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling for data analysis. Research Findingsand Discussions: The findings show that financial literacy, entrepreneurial orientation, and learning orientation positively influence innovation capability and MSME performance. In addition, innovation capability emerges as an important mediator that bridges the impact of financial literacy, entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation on MSME performance. The results of this study contribute to enriching the understanding of the Resource-Based Theory, highlighting that effective utilization of resources, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation, and innovation capability, can improve MSME performance. Research Implications: This study is a valuable reference for MSME owners in the food and beverage sector, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach. Responding quickly to market opportunities, introducing new products to new markets, and developing a learning-oriented mindset all play an important role in driving innovation and ultimately improving MSME performance. Originality/Value: This research underscores the importance of strategic resource utilization for MSME success, in line with the principles of Resource-Based Theory. Owners of food and beverage MSMEs are encouraged to develop a proactive and learning-oriented attitude, encouraging innovation as a key driver to improve business performance.