Supply chain quality management for product innovation performance: insights from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises

Purpose This research aims to examine the relationships between supply chain quality management (SCQM), organizational learning capability (OLC) and product innovation performance (PIP) among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study in which 163 valid responses were empirically collected from SMMEs in Malaysia via self-administered structured questionnaires. Findings Performing a partial least squares-structural equation modelling analysis, the findings revealed that the relationships between SCQM, OLC and PIP are positive and significant. Moreover, OLC partially mediates the relationship between SCQM and product innovation. Serving as a practical guideline, the results of this study stress the fact that managers of SMMEs need to look into the role-specific context of the firm before determining which practices would be effective for their companies. Originality/value The value-added additional testing of the mediating effect of OLC is the highlight of this study. This research represents another leap towards redefining and advancing SCQM, especially for SMMEs in the Asian context.