Structural embeddedness, entrepreneurial behavior, and firm performance in the industry network of small tourism enterprises: The moderating role of relational embeddedness and leadership self-efficacy

The survival and economic sustainability of small tourism enterprises (STEs) represent pressing industry issues that require attention. Drawing on network embedding theory, this paper proposes a conceptual framework that links the structural embeddedness of STEs' industry networks to entrepreneurial behavior and firm performance, while exploring the moderating roles of relational embeddedness and leadership self-efficacy. Empirical analysis using a sample of 420 STEs in China revealed several key findings: (1) STEs with a dominant position in the industry network tend to exhibit higher firm performance, and do so through timely and effective entrepreneurial behavior; (2) maintaining a dominant position in the industry network structure requires not only deep cooperation between business owners and other industry participants, but also the advisory role of family, relatives, and friends, who are close and responsible partners providing practical advice to small business owners that influence their entrepreneurial behavior; (3) however, the aforementioned benefits are conditional on entrepreneurs possessing a strong sense of leadership self-efficacy. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed in this regard.