The sustainability performance of small and medium enterprises (SMES) within the service sector: a comprehensive review / Nur Rahmas Mohd Saman, Nurazree Mahmud, Norzanah Mat Nor and Mohd Ariff Kamaludin

This comprehensive review investigates the sustainability performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the service sector, discussing the pressing need for a structured understanding of their contributions to sustainable development. Despite the growing recognition of SMEs as vital players in the service economy, their sustainability challenges and performance remain inadequately explored. Utiling the PRISMA framework, we conducted an extensive literature search in reputable databases . which include Scopus as well as Web of Science (WoS), focusing on studies published in 2024. Our search yielded 33 relevant articles, which we systematically analysed to identify key themes in sustainability performance. The findings are categorised into three main themes: (1) Digital Transformation & Innovation, highlighting the role of technological advancement in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability; (2) Sustainable Practices & Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR), emphasiing the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and community engagement;
and (3) Resilience, Strategy, & Competitiveness, which explores how SMEs navigate challenges as well as leverage strategies for sustainable growth. The review concludes that although SMEs are becoming more aware of the significance of sustainability, there is a significant variation in performance driven by factors such as industry type and organizational capacity. This research contributes to the academic discussion on sustainability in SMEs as well as offers practical insights for practitioners and policymakers focused on promoting sustainable practices within the service sector.
Keywords: Sustainability, Performance, Sustainable, SMEs, Service Sector