SUSTAINABLE TOOLS FOR MICROENTREPRENEURS: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1666Keywords:
sustainable business, technology tools and services, microentrepreneurs, economic, social, environmentAbstract
Microentrepreneurs play a crucial role in the economy of East Peninsular Malaysia, contributing to job creation, income generation, and local economic development. However, they often face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, intense competition, and the need to adopt sustainable business practices. The advent of digital technologies and the increasing importance of sustainable business models present both opportunities and challenges for these microentrepreneurs. This study aims to examine the adoption of sustainable business tools and services among microentrepreneurs in East Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of their operations. By analyzing their approaches to technology, marketing, and payment systems, this research seeks to identify the enablers and barriers to their success and sustainability. Through a thematic analysis of 21 participants, the study investigates the utilization of technology, marketing methods, and payment systems. It assesses the impact of these factors on their ability to compete in the market. Findings reveal a significant disparity in technology adoption, with some entrepreneurs leveraging digital tools for enhanced business operations while others rely on traditional practices. This divergence significantly affects their marketing reach, payment efficiency, and competitiveness. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and support to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainable business practices among microentrepreneurs in the region, ensuring their resilience and contribution to the local economy.
References
[1] Aithal, P.S. (2023): How to create business value through technological innovations using ICCT underlying technologies. – International Journal of Applied Engineering and Management Letters (IJAEML) 7(2): 232-292.
[2] Anthony Jnr, B. (2021): Managing digital transformation of smart cities through enterprise architecture-A review and research agenda. – Enterprise Information Systems 15(3): 299-331.
[3] Azman, N.H.N., Zabri, M.Z.M., Masron, T.A., Malim, N.A.K. (2020): The utilisation of Islamic fintech (I-Fintech) in promoting sustainable inclusive growth: Evidence from micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia. – Journal of Islamic Monetary Economics and Finance 6(3): 555-576.
[4] Bangkok Post (2022): Malaysia’s digital challenges. – Bangkok Post 3p.
[5] Fernando, Y., Jabbour, C.J.C., Wah, W.-X. (2019): Pursuing green growth in technology firms through the connections between environmental innovation and sustainable business performance: Does service capability matter? – Resources, Conservation and Recycling 141: 8-20.
[6] Isaacs, F., Oosterwyk, G., Njuguna, R. (2022): Leveraging blockchain technology for the empowerment of women micro-entrepreneurs. – In: Freedom and Social Inclusion in a Connected World, IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, Springer, Cham 20p.
[7] Jarinaa, B., Manida, M. (2024): Exploring the impact of rural entrepreneurship development in India's MSME sector. – Social Science and Human Research Bulletin 1(1): 1-6.
[8] Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R.P., Suman, R., Gonzalez, E.S. (2022): Understanding the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in improving environmental sustainability. – Sustainable Operations and Computers 3: 203-217.
[9] Kamarudin, K.H., Rashid, M.F., Shaari, M.A. (2024): Micro entrepreneurs’ adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) for rural development: Evidence from small scale pottery business of Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia. – Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture & Rural Development 24(1): 511-520.
[10] Lehoux, P., Silva, H.P., Denis, J.L., Miller, F.A., Pozelli Sabio, R., Mendell, M. (2021): Moving toward responsible value creation: Business model challenges faced by organizations producing responsible health innovations. – Journal of Product Innovation Management 38(5): 548-573.
[11] Lux Dryselius, F. (2023): The allure of automated machine learning services: How SMEs and non-expert users can benefit from AutoML frameworks. – Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, UPTEC STS 23047 80p.
[12] Neumeyer, X., Santos, S.C., Morris, M.H. (2021): Overcoming barriers to technology adoption when fostering entrepreneurship among the poor: The role of technology and digital literacy. – IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 68(6): 1605-1618.
[13] Pulka, B.M., Gawuna, M.S. (2022): Contributions of SMEs to employment, gross domestic product, economic growth and development. – Jalingo Journal of Social and Management Sciences 4(1): 1-18.
[14] Torous, J., Bucci, S., Bell, I.H., Kessing, L.V., Faurholt-Jepsen, M., Whelan, P., Carvalho, A.F., Keshavan, M., Linardon, J., Firth, J. (2021): The growing field of digital psychiatry: Current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality. – World Psychiatry 20(3): 318-335.
[15] Yu, Y., Appiah, D., Zulu, B., Adu-Poku, K.A. (2024): Integrating rural development, education, and management: Challenges and strategies. – Sustainability 16(15): 1-22.
[16] Zaki, M. (2019): Digital transformation: Harnessing digital technologies for the next generation of services. – Journal of Services Marketing 33(4): 429-435.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 NUR ATIQAH ROCHIN DEMONG, MASRUR MOHD KHIR, MUHAMMAD ISKANDAR HAMZAH, NORFAZLINA GHAZALI
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
