The Mediating Effect of Organizational Innovation on the Relationship Between Opportunity Competency and Sustainable Performance in Myanmar-Based Trading Companies in Bangkok

Main Article Content

Akaraphun Ratasuk
Ying Mo Saing

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of organizational innovation in the relationship between opportunity competency and sustainable performance in Myanmar-based trading companies in Bangkok, Thailand, employing a quantitative research approach grounded in resource-based theory. Survey data were collected from 408 top executives, representing the top three key executives from each company in Bangkok, for a response rate of 75.56%. Hypothesis testing using PLS-SEM revealed a series of counterintuitive findings. Results showed that while opportunity competency is a significant driver of organizational innovation (β = 0.662, p < .001), it had no direct effect on sustainable performance (β = -0.031, p = .266). Most critically, organizational innovation was found to have a significant negative impact on sustainable performance (β = -0.339, p < .001). Consequently, the overall mediation (H4) was not supported. These findings highlight a critical ‘dark side’ to innovation, suggesting that for these specific SMEs, innovation may be consuming resources and harming long-term viability. The study offers practical recommendations for managers and business owners in the trading industry in Bangkok to prioritize a more cautious and strategic approach to innovation.


 


Highlights


This study reveals a novel adverse mediation effect in Myanmar-based SMEs in Thailand, demonstrating that organizational innovation significantly harms sustainable performance, thereby challenging the optimistic assumptions of Resource-Based Theory.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ratasuk, A. ., & Saing, Y. M. . (2026). The Mediating Effect of Organizational Innovation on the Relationship Between Opportunity Competency and Sustainable Performance in Myanmar-Based Trading Companies in Bangkok . Asia Social Issues, 19(4), e288759. https://doi.org/10.48048/asi.2026.288759
Section
Research Article

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