How does information integration enhance SMEs' credit quality: the mediating role of supply chain capabilities

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between information integration, supply chain capabilities and credit quality of small and middle enterprises (SMEs) in supply chain finance (SCF). Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) and signaling theory, this study proposes a theoretical model. Then, structural equation modeling and interview analysis are employed to test the theoretical model. Findings The results show that both two aspects of information integration, namely, information technology and information sharing, have positive effects on the SMEs' credit quality in SCF, and these effects are mediated by supply chain capabilities. Originality/value First, the paper contributes to SCF literature by simultaneously examining the role of two dimensions of information integration (information technology and information sharing) in enhancing SMEs' credit quality. Second, this paper enriches the existing theoretical research on SCF by integrating the SMEs perspective and SCF service provider perspective. Moreover, this paper explores the indirect effects of information integration on SMEs' credit quality by incorporating supply chain capabilities as a mediating factor.