Government support and SMEs' dimensional performance during the COVID-19 crises: Does disruption orientation matter?

Purpose This study is aimed at scrutinizing the moderating influence of disruption orientation (DO) on the nexus between government support (GS) and the multidimensional performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the COVID-19 turbulence. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was engaged for data collection using structured hand-delivered questionnaires. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships based on a sample response of 170 SMEs from Kano, Nigeria. Findings GS has no direct impact on both financial performance (FP) and non-financial performance (NFP) of SMEs in Nigeria during the COVID-19 crisis. However, DO demonstrates a constructive direct significant influence on the SMEs’ FP and NFP. Additionally, DO positively moderates the relationship between GS and the FP and NFP. Practical implications The findings implied that GS could not solitarily make an impact on SMEs’ FP and NFP during crises. Nevertheless, DO is imperative in revitalizing the impact of GS on both performance dimensions of SMEs during disruptions. Consequently, policymakers should consider DO as a precondition for SMEs access to GS, if SMEs performance is the target for improvement. Originality/value The research model is the first to integrate and empirically validate the moderating effect of DO on the GS and SME performance relationships during crises. The study particularly highlights the role of DO in SMEs during crises and the limited role of GS. This study, therefore, contributes theoretically to the disruption management and GS literature for SMEs.