There is currently a dearth of knowledge for human resource management under an SMEs context. As a result, it is assumed that human resource management based on large business organizations is applicable for SMEs at a smaller scale. From the resource-based view, this article investigates the impact of human resource management practices towards the SMEs in Brunei Darussalam. By conducting an exploratory study, a questionnaire survey of 296 was collected from the local SMEs to ascertain how the human resource management practices impact their performance. This is followed by the analyzing the result via the Pearson Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression which suggests that specific human resource management practices have a significant impact on the SMEs. As part of the contribution, the article extends the knowledge of human resource management in SMEs context by understanding their impact towards the SMEs performance.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the styles that are desirable in a leader in the perspective of youth in Asia, particularly Brunei Darussalam and South Korea. Thus, by investigating it using the Path Goal Theory as its approach, this study provides leaders with the desirable leadership style to motivate and influence the youth. Design/methodology/approach The research used a quantitative method with a proportionate stratified sampling method using the criteria of age of youth defined by UNESCO. The data then collected using a face-to-face method of a questionnaire from February 2016 till June 2016. Findings The evidence depicts that Bruneian youth prefers directive leadership while South Korean youth prefers supportive leadership. This finding is based on the selected styles that are desirable by the youth and their choice is also influenced by culture. This may imply that culture has a large impact which can determine the leadership styles best suited to the environment. Research limitations/implications Since the research has limited sample sizes and geographical location, this can lead to future research by considering more regions of different continents to determine whether different leadership preference still persists. This study can also be used as a basis to consider other factors in investigating leadership preference in Asian countries. Originality/value This paper identifies and encourages the need to study leadership style that is desirable among youth.

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It is crucial for business organizations to maintain sustainability within the globalized market environment. However, the organizational ability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is inadequate to generate sustainable competitive advantage. Moreover, strategic management theories are developed based on large business organizations which cannot be fully applied in MSMEs. From this knowledge gap, this research study addressed the core question of “Does strategic human resource management (SHRM) and organizational learning impact the sustainability of service-based MSMEs in Brunei Darussalam, with competitive strategy as mediator?” From a questionnaire survey of 275 service-based MSMEs, this research study confirmed SHRM and organizational learning to yield significant impact on organizational performance of service-based MSMEs. These results are partial significantly mediated by competitive strategy. From these findings, this research study extended the knowledge on resource-based view, contingency theory, and organizational alignment theory within the MSME context.