ROLE OF INNOVATION MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ON OPERATION PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE IN THAILAND

Abstract The objective of this study is to examine the role of innovation management to promote operational performance among Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Furthermore, the mediating role of competitive advantage is also examined between innovation management and operational performance. Area cluster sampling is used for data collection by using a survey questionnaire. 280 responses were used in data analysis through Partial Least Square (PLS). Results of the study highlighted that innovation management has positive effect on operational performance of SMEs. Furthermore, innovation management has positive effect on competitive advantage which further leads to the operational performance. Additionally, it is observed that competitive advantage transfers the positive effect of innovation management on operational performance. Results of the study are valuable for practitioners to enhance SMEs operational performance through innovative and competitive advantage