Impact of the Mediating and Moderating Roles of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions on Business Performance in Chinese SMEs

Purpose: This research aims to explore the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship mediates this relationship and examines the moderating roles of behavioral intention and environmental sustainability orientation. Method: The study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data from 239 employees working across various SMEs in China through a structured survey. The measurement scales were adopted from established research to ensure reliability and validity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using Stata-SEM for data analysis, allowing for a comprehensive examination of direct, indirect, and moderating effects. Findings: The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurial intentions significantly influence business performance, with sustainable entrepreneurship serving as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Behavioral intentions and environmental sustainability orientation were found to significantly moderate the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability practices and personal commitment into business strategies. Originality/Implications: This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship by providing empirical evidence on the mediating and moderating effects within SMEs. It offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers to enhance business performance through strategic sustainability efforts. The study also suggests avenues for future research to further explore these dynamics across different contexts.