Title: How do factors affect labour productivity and satisfaction in small and medium-sized enterprises in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam?

Authors: Nguyen Dac Dung; Tran Quang Huy

Addresses: Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration, Tan Thinh Ward, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam ' Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration, Tan Thinh Ward, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of work motivation, training, work environment, management skills, and work time on labour productivity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. Additionally, it seeks to assess the satisfaction of business owners regarding changes in labour productivity and propose policies to enhance it, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs against larger enterprises. The findings of the study reveal that all five factors (work motivation, training activities, management skills, work environment, and work time) have a positive influence on labour productivity, and an increase in labour productivity contributes to higher employer satisfaction. Among these factors, work motivation was identified as the most significant, followed by training activities, management skills, work environment, and work time.

Keywords: productivity; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; satisfaction; enterprises; labour; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2025.145571

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2025 Vol.44 No.4, pp.419 - 439

Received: 22 Apr 2023
Accepted: 07 May 2023
Published online: 07 Apr 2025 *

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