Strategic Agility and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Recordkeeping in SMEs

Authors

  • Nanik Ermawati Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus
  • Naila Rizki Salisa Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus
  • Alfiyani Nur Hidayanti Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus
  • Zamrud Mirah Delima Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus
  • Diah Ayu Susanti Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus
  • Salvia Nanda Mu’izza Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muria Kudus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47747/fmiic.v1i3.3547

Abstract

This study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether strategic agility influences firm performance and whether recordkeeping mediates this relationship. The sample were SMEs in Kudus Regency, resulting in a total sample size of 174. The data analysis in this study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that strategic agility positively affected firm performance, and recordkeeping mediated this effect. The uniqueness of this study lies in combining the concept of strategic agility with accounting practices through recordkeeping, a link that is positioned as a mediator, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. The results of this study can be used by SMEs to further improve their recordkeeping practices when facing environmental uncertainty, thereby increasing firm performance.

References

Abuanzeh, A., Alnawayseh, A., Qtaishat, G., & Alshurideh, M. (2022). The role of strategic agility towards competitiveness with mediating effect of knowledge management. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 10, 1523–1534. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2022.6.003

Adomako, S., Amankwah-Amoah, J., Donbesuur, F., Ahsan, M., Danso, A., & Uddin, M. (2022). Strategic agility of SMEs in emerging economies: Antecedents, consequences and boundary conditions. International Business Review, 31(6), 102032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2022.102032

Afifa, M. A., & Nguyen, N. M. (2024). An Investigation of Antecedents and Outcomes of Accounting Information Quality : Evidence from SMEs. Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/09722629241231419

Ajape, M. K., & Adelowotan, M. O. (2025). Digital Accounting Practices and Financial Performance : Quantitative Research in Seven International Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. IBIMA Business Review, 2025. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5171/2025.202801

Arici, T., & Gok, M. S. (2023). Examining Environmental Turbulence Intensity : A Strategic Agility and Innovativeness Approach on Firm Performance in Environmental Turbulence Situations. Sustainability, 15(5364), 1–17.

Balagobei, S. (2019). Impact of Record Keeping Practices on Business Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 9(4), 439–451. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijafr.v9i4.15897

Budiarto, D. S., Prabowo, M. A., & Herawan, T. (2022). Level of AIS Alignment and Non- Financial Performance in Indonesian Small Firm. QUALITY Access to Success, 23(188), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.47750/QAS/23.188.10

Clauss, T., Abebe, M., Tangpong, C., & Hock, M. (2021). Strategic Agility, Business Model Innovation, and Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 68(3), 767–784. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2019.2910381

David, Y., Zuopeng, J., Zheng, J., & Mustafa, M. (2025). Artificial intelligence-enabled systems and innovation in B2B firms : The role of strategic agility and decision-making performance. Industrial Marketing Management, 127(May), 164–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2025.04.003

Dinas Tenaga Kerja Perindustrian Koperasi Usaha Kecil dan Menengah. (2023). Data Jumlah UMKM Kabupaten Kudus Tahun 2017-2022.

Duangekanong, S. (2025). The Impact of Big Data Analytics on Firm Performance through Strategic Agility in Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Thailand. Global Business & Finance Review, 2(February), 72–85.

Ermawati, N. (2026). Strategic Agility as a Driver of SME Performance : The Moderating Role of SME ’ s Clusters in Indonesia. Jurnal Ar Ro’is Mandalika (Armada), 6(2), 785–800.

Fida, B. A., Ahmed, U., Al-marhoobi, S., & Busaidi, N. Al. (2025). The Impact of Accounting Information Systems on The Organizational Performance of SMEs in Oman. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(4), 198–204.

Haider, S. A., & Kayani, U. N. (2021). The impact of customer knowledge management capability on project performance-mediating role of strategic agility. Journal of Knowledge Management, 25(2), 298–312. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-01-2020-0026

Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B., & Anderson, R. (2018). Multivariate Data Analysis (P. Education (ed.); Seventh Ed).

Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Danks, N. P., & Ray, S. (2021). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Using R. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7_5

Halabí, C. E., & Lussier, R. N. (2014). A model for predicting small firm performance: Increasing the probability of entrepreneurial success in Chile. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 21(1), 4–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-10-2013-0141

Hamdy, A., Diab, A., & Eissa, A. M. (2025). Digital Transformation and the Quality of Accounting Information Systems in the Public Sector : Evidence from Developing Countries. International Journal OfFinancial Studies, 13(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijfs13010030

Hendrawidjaja, J. B., Soetjipto, B. W., Kusumastuti, R. D., & Jayanagara, O. (2026). Ecosystem Exchange , Strategic Capabilities , and Firm Performance with Agility and Innovation Mediators. APTISI Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), 8(1), 226–238.

Hussin, N. A. B., Jaaffar, A. H., & Daud, S. (2025). Strategy Formulation And Sustainability Performance In Indigenous (Bumiputera) Construction Companies In Malaysia: Examining The Mediating Role Of Strategic Agility. Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, 23(4), 20–35.

Joma, M. H. A., Albloush, A., & Faculty, S. M. A. L. (2025). The Impact of Strategic Agility on the Effectiveness of Decision-Making Process. International Review of Management and Marketing, 15(2), 381–389.

Kale, E., Aknar, A., & Başar, Ö. (2019). Absorptive capacity and firm performance: The mediating role of strategic agility. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 78(September 2018), 276–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.09.010

Khan, S., & Gupta, S. (2025). Boosting the efficacy of green accounting for better fi rm performance : arti fi cial intelligence and accounting quality as moderators. Meditari Accountancy Research, 33(2), 472–496. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-02-2024-2379

Khan, S. I., Mahmood, R. H., Jabbar, A. T., & Omar, Z. H. (2025). Role of marketing information systems in improving the performance of logistics companies with special reference to Nagpur. International Scientific Journal about Logistics, 12(1), 35–41.

Khraim, H. (2022). The Influence of Technological Innovative Capabilities on Firm Performance: Moderating Effect of Strategic Agility. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 20(2), 459–470. https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.20(2).2022.38

Luo, J., Wira, M., Shafiei, M., & Ismail, R. (2026). The Impact Of Environmental Turbulence On Construction Enterprise Performance : Unveiling The Systemic Response Mechanisms. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 32(2), 174–194.

Lutfi, A., Al-Khasawneh, A. L., Almaiah, M. A., Alsyouf, A., & Alrawad, M. (2022). Business Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of AIS Implementation. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095362

Lutfi, A., Al-okaily, M., Alsyouf, A., Alsaad, A., & Taamneh, A. (2020). The Impact of AIS Usage on AIS Effectiveness Among Jordanian SMEs : A Multi-group Analysis of the Role of Firm Size. Global Business Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/0972150920965079

Mabula, J. B., & Ping, H. D. (2018). Use of technology and financial literacy on SMEs practices and performance in developing economies. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 9(6), 74–82. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2018.090611

Mata, M. N., Martins, J. M., & Inaco, P. L. (2024). Collaborative innovation , strategic agility , & absorptive capacity adoption in SMEs : the moderating effects of customer knowledge management capability. Journal of Knowledge Management, 28(4), 1116–1140. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2022-0803

Muchoki, M. W. (2022). Effect Of Strategic Agility On Performance Of Construction Firms In Nairobi. University Of Nairobi.

Nguyen, T. H., Nguyen, D. T., & Nguyen, T. A. (2025). The relationship between transformational leadership style , innovation capability , information systems , and performance in Vietnam ’ s manufacturing firms. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 23(4). https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.23(4).2025.36

Nwosu, L. (2018). The influence of demographic variables on financial record-keeping in small- and medium-sized enterprises in the South African informal sector. Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences, 15(1), 1–9.

Purwanto, H., Wiralaga, H. K., & Saptono, A. (2023). Does strategic agility and innovation capability have an impact on firm performance? A study on the Indonesian motorcycle industry. Asian Economic and Financial Review, 13(12), 981–995. https://doi.org/10.55493/5002.v13i12.4930

Reed, J. H. (2021). Strategic agility and the effects of firm age and environmental turbulence. Journal of Strategy and Management, 14(2), 129–149. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-07-2020-0178

Shin, H., Lee, J., Kim, D., & Rhim, H. (2015). Strategic agility of Korean small and medium enterprises and its influence on operational and firm performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 168, 181–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2015.06.015

Sikora, T., & Baranowska-Prokop, E. (2025). The impact of strategic agility on the performance of Polish and Finnish SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparative study. Journal of International Studies, 18(2), 177–187. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-8330.2025/18-2/10

Solichin, J., Hamsal, M., Setiowati, R., & Rahim, R. K. (2026). Effect of Strategic Agility and Technology Adoption on Firm Performance Through Supply Chain Integration in the Textile Industry of Indonesia. Global Business & Finance Review, 1(January), 83–99.

Tran, Y. T., Tran, D., Hong, T., & Hoang, T. C. (2026). Accounting service quality and firm performance : the full mediating role of accounting information quality in small and medium enterprises. Pacific Accounting Review, 38(2), 405–425. https://doi.org/10.1108/PAR-12-2024-0339

Tufan, C., & Mert, I. S. (2023). The sequential effect of absorptive capacity, strategic agility, and sustainable competitive advantage on sustainable business performance of SMEs. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-26207-x

Varma, R., Aserkar, R., & Bhoola, V. (2026). Exploring Factors Affecting Sustainable Innovation Performance : Development of Model for Improving Sustainable Innovation Performance. Sustainability, 18(1987), 1–28.

Viktora-jones, M., Parente, R., Drori, N., & Zhao, Y. (2024). Firm performance drivers within a dynamic emerging market ecosystem. Journal of International Management, 30(1), 101119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2023.101119

Vrontis, D., Belas, J., Thrassou, A., Santoro, G., & Christofi, M. (2023). Strategic agility, openness and performance: a mixed method comparative analysis of firms operating in developed and emerging markets. In Review of Managerial Science (Vol. 17, Issue 4). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-022-00562-4

Yildiz, T., & Aykanat, Z. (2021). The mediating role of organizational innovation on the impact of strategic agility on firm performance. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 17(4), 765–786. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-06-2020-0070

Yoshikuni, A. C., Dwivedi, R., Parisi, C., Oyadomari, J. C. T., & Dultra-de-Lima, R. G. (2025). Enterprise risk management effects on information systems-enabled strategic enterprise management : amplifying firm performance through strategic momentum and strategic flexibility in BRICS economies. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 38(2), 608–635. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-12-2023-0625

Downloads

Published

2026-06-25