Social Media Integration and Enterprise Resource Dynamics: Pathways to MSE Adaptive Capabilities
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This study aims to investigate how social media embedding influences micro and small enterprises’ (MSEs) adaptability through resource integration mechanisms in agricultural enterprises. The present research theoretical framework is based on resource-based, vocational ability development, and social media embedding theories. Its objective is to determine the influence of social media embedding on MSEs’ adaptability. A convenience sampling survey gathered data from 327 small and micro agriculture-related entrepreneurs in China. According to the study results, both online community embedding and web media embedding had a significant and positive impact on MSEs. While web media embedding significantly affected resource integration, online community integration did not. Resource integration was identified as a mediating factor between the two dimensions of social media embedding (i.e., online community embedding and web media embedding) and the adaptability of entrepreneurial enterprises. This study advances existing literature by decomposing social media embedding into distinct dimensions. This decomposition offers a nuanced understanding of the differential impacts across various dimensions. The research establishes resource integration as a critical mechanism linking social media use to organizational adaptability. Furthermore, it extends resource-based theory application in the digital transformation context of agricultural MSEs. These findings offer practical implications for enhancing enterprise adaptability through social media utilization.
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