Sustainable entrepreneurship in textile-based SMEs: linking entrepreneurial traits to firm performance, Dr Arya Kumar, Dr Asokan Vasudevan, Prof. Srilalitha Sagi, Prof K Sowmya

Dr Arya Kumar
Assistant Professor, School of Economics and Commerce, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Patia, Bhubaneswar - 751 024, Odisha (India)
Research Fellow, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia)
ORCID: 0000-0002-8203-361X
Dr Asokan Vasudevan
Professor, Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia)
Research Fellow, Wekerle Business School, Budapest, Jázmin u. 10, 1083 (Hungary)
ORCID: 0000-0002-9866-4045
Professor Srilalitha Sagi
Professor and Director, Executive Education, Sanjivani University, Kopargaon, Near Shirdi, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), 423601
India
ORCID: 0000-0003-0083-2272
Professor K. R. Sowmya
Professor, Department of Management, St. Francis de Sales College (Autonomous), Electronics City Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560100 (India)
Research Fellow, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (Malaysia)
ORCID: 0000-0003-4239-2586

Type of Paper: Research
Received: 7 June 2025 /  Revised: 15 December 2025 /  Accepted: 6 January 2026 /  Published: 28 February 2026
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJEMSD.22.1-2.2026.2

Purpose: This study examines how Sustainable Entrepreneurship Practices (SEP) mediate the relationship between Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) and firm performance among textile-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Odisha.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Data from 431 weavers were analysed using PLS-SEM. Systemic constraints, including limited market access and institutional support, were noted as key challenges.
Findings: Proactiveness and risk-taking influence performance only through SEP, while innovativeness has both direct and mediated effects. Creativity significantly enhances firm performance.
Originality/Value: Focusing on SMEs in Berhampur and Sambalpur—regions renowned for handloom weaving—the study explores how proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovativeness influence sustainability and performance.
Practical Implications: Policies promoting the adoption of eco-friendly technology through subsidies and collaborations with organisations like OHHDPC are recommended to enhance sustainability and performance. An integrated framework is necessary to address the structural barriers faced by traditional weaving SMEs.
Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises; Handloom; Firm’s Performance; Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation; Sustainable Entrepreneurship Practices; Economic Development.
Citation: Kumar, A., Vasudevan, A., Sagi, S. and Sowmya, K., R. (2026): Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Textile-Based SMEs: Linking Entrepreneurial Traits to Firm Performance. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD), Vol. 22, Nos 1-2, pp. xx-xx.