Social capital dimensions and financial resilience: a PLS-SEM study of Malaysian women-owned MSMEs

Mustaffa, Hawa Nur Sai'dah and Mahadi, Nur Farhah (2026) Social capital dimensions and financial resilience: a PLS-SEM study of Malaysian women-owned MSMEs. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 8 (2). pp. 1-15. E-ISSN 2582-2160

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Abstract

This study examines the influence of social capital on financial resilience among women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia. This research grounded in Social Capital Theory, focusing on three core dimensions of social capital which are trust, ties, and tolerance to understand how interpersonal and network relationships shape women entrepreneurs’ capacity to withstand financial shocks. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed randomly to 230 women-owned MSMEs across Malaysia and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4. The empirical results reveal that trust and tolerance significantly enhance financial resilience, while ties demonstrate an insignificant relationship. These findings suggest that financial resilience is not simply a function of network size but rather the quality of relationships and mutual understanding within social networks. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development agencies in designing targeted interventions that strengthen the social and financial capacities of women entrepreneurs. It also contributes to the growing body of literature on women’s entrepreneurship by highlighting the role of social capital in building economic resilience in developing economies. Suggestions for future research and policymaking are also discussed.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social Capital, Financial Resilience, Women Entrepreneurs, MSMEs, Trust, Ties, Tolerance, SmartPLS, Malaysia
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Institute of Islamic Banking & Finance (IIiBF)
Depositing User:	Dr Nur Farhah Mahadi
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2026 16:30
Last Update:	29 Sep 2026 16:31
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5384
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131655
Indexed In:	Google Scholar

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