Muhammad Farhan Jalil

@unimas.my

Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Economics and Busineess
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Muhammad Farhan Jalil


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https://researchid.co/jmfarhan
I have a PhD from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. After my PhD in entrepreneurship (SME development) in 2018, I was appointed as a lecturer at the University of Technology Sarawak, where I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to entrepreneurship and innovation. As an academic researcher, I worked on the influence of external and internal factors on SMEs as a phenomenon. Specifically, I have sought to be on the cutting edge in investigating different factors that encourage the foundation of high growth and performance. I have overcome the challenges of inferring causality and collecting data in international settings. I have developed an excellent publication record in SME development. I have had the opportunity to work independently, collaborating with other researchers all around the world.

EDUCATION

PhD in entrepreneurship (SME development)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Business, Management and Accounting
14

Scopus Publications

508

Scholar Citations

12

Scholar h-index

15

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • A Green Internet of Things (GIoT) Adoption Framework to Enhance Environmental Performance of SMEs Through the Digital Social Networking
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Dayang Affizzah Binti Awang Marikan, Mohamad bin Jais, Kartinah Ayupp, Muhammad Hafiz bin Mohd Shukri
    Business Strategy and Development, 2025
    Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, yet the adoption of advanced technologies like the Green Internet of Things (GIoT) remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing and validating a GIoT adoption framework aimed at enhancing environmental performance, emphasizing the mediating role of digital social networking (DSN). Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the model incorporates perceived motivation and perceived environmental knowledge as additional predictors. A quantitative survey of 614 SME owners and managers from manufacturing and service sectors was conducted, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results show that all UTAUT constructs, along with the extended variables, significantly influence GIoT adoption. GIoT adoption directly improves environmental performance and promotes DSN, which further amplifies its positive environmental impact. The study also reveals that manufacturing SMEs exhibit a stronger intent to adopt GIoT. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
  • Sharing is caring: Exploring digital knowledge sharing and SMEs’ green innovative performance through the mediating role of green technology dynamism
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Abu Hassan Bin Md Isa, Dayang Affizzah Binti Awang Marikan, Mohamad bin Jais
    International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 2025
    In the era of digitalization, knowledge sharing is considered crucial to understanding the environmentally sustainable performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Despite this, there is a notable absence of empirical evidence in the academic literature addressing this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of digital knowledge sharing (both internal and external) on green innovative performance. Additionally, the study seeks to determine whether these relationships are mediated by the green technology dynamism of SMEs in Malaysia. Data were collected from 294 Malaysian SME owners and managers who completed online, self-administered surveys. The study constructs, adapted from earlier research, were measured using validated measurement scales. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the data and test the hypotheses (utilizing AMOS 24.0). Bootstrapping of confidence intervals was conducted to identify mediating effects. The study’s results revealed a positive and significant association between digital knowledge sharing (both internal and external) and the green innovative performance of SMEs. Furthermore, the data analysis confirmed that green technology dynamism serves as a complementary mediator in the relationship between digital knowledge sharing (both internal and external) and green innovative performance. The findings of this study carry both theoretical and practical implications for academics and SME owners/managers. Green innovative performance, strengthened by green technological dynamism, can help SMEs grasp and implement the significance of digital knowledge sharing in their administrative operations. Consequently, they can transform into eco-innovative entities, contributing positively to the environment, economy, and society.
  • The influence of blockchain technology on green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs: A multigroup analysis
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Dayang Affizzah Binti Awang Marikan, Azlan Ali, Mohamad bin Jais
    Sustainable Futures, 2025
    Blockchain technology is transforming industries, yet its potential to drive sustainable entrepreneurship remains underexplored. This study examines how blockchain technology acceptance influences green entrepreneurial orientation among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs in Malaysia, with digital knowledge sharing as a mediating factor. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study evaluates the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control on blockchain acceptance. A quantitative approach was adopted, with data collected through a structured survey of 543 Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (AMOS 21.0). Findings reveal that the identified factors positively influence blockchain acceptance, which enhances green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing as a complementary mediator. Moreover, Gen Z entrepreneurs exhibit a stronger inclination toward blockchain-driven sustainable practices compared to Gen Y. These results highlight the importance of blockchain technology in promoting sustainability among younger entrepreneurs. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and technology providers to foster supportive ecosystems for blockchain-driven green entrepreneurship. It underscores blockchain's potential as a catalyst for advancing sustainability initiatives among future-oriented entrepreneurial generations.
  • Kickstart manufacturing SMEs' go green journey: A green hydrogen acceptance framework to enhance low carbon emissions through green digital technologies
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Dayang Affizzah Binti Awang Marikan, Mohamad bin Jais, Mohammad Affendy bin Arip
    International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2025
  • The influential role of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in digital value creation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs): does technological orientation mediate this relationship?
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Patrick Lynch, Dayang Affizzah Binti Awang Marikan, Abu Hassan Bin Md Isa
    AI and Society, 2025
  • The influence of meaningful work on the mental health of SME employees in the COVID-19 era: can coping strategies mediate the relationship?
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Azlan Ali
    BMC Public Health, 2023
    Background Stress, depression, and anxiety are prevalent issues among SME employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even while having meaningful work that expressively contributes to individual growth has been related to improving mental health, employees’ work may also need to adopt coping strategies to increase outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between meaningful work (positive meaning, meaning-making, and greater good motivations) and mental health, as well as coping strategies (problem-focused and emotion-focused) as a mediator of this relationship. Methods Meaningful work, coping strategies, and mental health were evaluated in empirical research based on a sample of 462 SME employees working in Malaysia. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data and analyze it through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 21.0. Results The findings of the study show the importance of meaningful work in influencing the mental health of SME employees, particularly during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the more they value and see their work as meaningful, the more capable they are of dealing with limitations and mental health problems associated with crises. The study also discovered a partial mediating role for coping strategies between employees’ mental health and meaningful work. Conclusion This study encourages employees to constantly feel connected and discover continued possibilities to work and learn even during crisis situations. In order to improve human resource efficiency in emerging markets, managers and owners of SMEs must implement the model developed by the researchers.
  • The influence of psychological capital and social capital on women entrepreneurs’ intentions: the mediating role of attitude
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Azlan Ali, Rashidah Kamarulzaman
    Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2023
    Intention plays a critical role in enhancing entrepreneurial activity among women entrepreneurs. Although several studies have revealed that psychological capital influences intention formation, few have explored this relationship when dealing with social capital and entrepreneurial attitudes. This research designed a structural model to construct women entrepreneurs’ intentions, including the interaction of psychological capital, social capital, and entrepreneurial attitudes. Based on self-administered or online questionnaires filled out by 479 Malaysian women entrepreneurs, data was collected using stratified random sampling. Structural equation modeling (AMOS 21.0) was used to analyze the data and test hypotheses. Bootstrap confidence intervals were calculated to determine the mediating effect. The findings show that social capital, psychological capital, and entrepreneurial attitudes interact to encourage women entrepreneurs’ intentions to expand their businesses. Social capital and women entrepreneurs’ intentions were partially mediated by entrepreneurial attitudes. Lastly, entrepreneurial attitudes were also discovered to partially mediate the influential relationship between psychological capital and women entrepreneurs’ intentions. This research sheds new light on women entrepreneurs’ intentions to expand their entrepreneurial activities, which has policy implications. Moreover, future research directions and theoretical insights are discussed.
  • Responses to COVID-19, small and medium enterprises’ corporate social responsibility and psychological capital of employees: From the mediating perspective of affective commitment
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Bilal Tariq, Muhammad Asif Zaheer, Zeeshan Ahmed
    Heliyon, 2023
    The influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employees' positive psychological capital in stressful situations remains unexplored in the literature for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to examine how CSR could assist employees in developing psychological capital during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to understand the aforesaid relationship, an attempt is made to study the mediation effect of affective commitment. Structural equation modelling (AMOS 21.0) was used for data analysis and hypothesis testing on a sample of 545 employees from 356 Malaysian SMEs. The results of this study showed that SMEs' CSR policies helped to improve the positive psychological capital of their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, affective commitment complementary mediates the relationship between CSR and psychological capital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SMEs should come up with a consistent way to implement CSR policies and procedures to improve employees' psychological capital and increase their affective commitment toward the enterprise. There are two main contributions to the literature from this study, in addition to enriching previous empirical research on CSR. As a first contribution to the CSR literature, it examines how CSR impacts employees' psychological capital during a pandemic. COVID-19 is one of the recent pandemics that offers an opportunity to examine its effects on employee psychological state. Secondly, the results of the study add to the growing body of empirical research that supports affective commitment's significant relationship with CSR and enhances employees' psychological capital during a pandemic in a developing market.
  • Does meaningful work mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and mental health? Evidence from Malaysian SME employees
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Bilal Tariq, Azlan Ali
    Frontiers in Sociology, 2023
    IntroductionIn Malaysia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for more than half of all employment and 98.7% of all businesses. There is little research on empowering behaviors in SMEs, despite leadership empowerment being often practiced. Therefore, the study aims to investigate how empowering leadership affects employees' mental health. The study also reveals meaningful work's role in mediating the relationship between empowering leadership and employees' mental health.MethodsA stratified random sample approach was used to collect data from 516 employees of Malaysian SMEs. The data was analyzed, and the hypothesis was tested using structural equation modeling (AMOS 21.0) with bootstrap confidence intervals computed to evaluate the mediating effect.ResultsThe results demonstrate that empowering leadership significantly improves employees' mental health. Furthermore, the association between empowering leadership and mental health is partially mediated by meaningful work.DiscussionThis study contributes to the present empowering leadership-meaningful work-mental health model for SME employees, which reduces stress and anxiety at the workplace and positively impacts psychological empowerment and their capacity to control their overall emotions in instances of success.
  • Does innovation capability improve SME performance in Malaysia? The mediating effect of technology adoption
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Azlan Ali, Rashidah Kamarulzaman
    International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2022
    SMEs still need innovation to boost their performance in the age of globalisation and fierce market rivalry. Previous studies have identified that innovation capability is an essential driver in manufacturing industries for their survival. Yet, the featuring role of innovation capability has been considered theoretically in developed economies whereas empirical studies in emerging economies are still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study to examines the importance of innovation capability towards SME performance and the mediating role of technology-adoption. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data from a sample size of 611 SMEs operating in the developing market of Malaysia. Derived hypotheses were verified through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 21. The findings of the study indicated that innovation capability has a significant positive impact on SME performance. Technology- adoption partially mediates the relationship between innovation capability and SME performance. SMEs are required to generate an operative innovation model to gain sustainable performance and competitive advantage in the Malaysian market.
  • Microfinance services and MSE growth in Pakistan: The mediating perspective of social and psychological capital
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, , Azlan Bin Ali, Zeeshan Zeeshan, , and
    Journal of Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation, 2022
  • The Mediating Effect of Coping Strategies Between Psychological Capital and Small Tourism Organization Resilience: Insights From the COVID-19 Pandemic, Malaysia
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Azlan Ali, Zeeshan Ahmed, Rashidah Kamarulzaman
    Frontiers in Psychology, 2021
  • Microfinance towards micro-enterprises development in rural Malaysia through digital finance
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil
    Discover Sustainability, 2021
  • Training Perception and Innovative Behavior of SME Employees: Examining the Mediating Effects of Firm Commitment
    Muhammad Farhan Jalil, Wasim Ullah, Zeeshan Ahmed
    Sage Open, 2021

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Augmented reality adoption and the digital transformation of eco-smart tourism ventures: exploring the mediating role of tourist engagement
    MF Jalil, A Ali, W Meiping
    Scientific Reports , 2026
    2026
  • Bridging divides: human capital, digital transformation, and sustainable development in the Borneo region and Asia-Pacific
    Z Tariq, WPM Winnie, J Muhammad Farhan
    Borneo Journal of Social Science & Humanities (BJSSH) 7 (2), 1-3 , 2025
    2025
  • A Green Internet of Things (GIoT) Adoption Framework to Enhance Environmental Performance of SMEs Through the Digital Social Networking
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, M Jais, K Ayupp, MHM Shukri
    Business Strategy & Development 8 (3), e70179 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 10
  • The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Innovation Capability: The Mediating Effect of Employee Empowerment in Telecom Companies in Pakistan
    A Ahmad, MZMB Harun, MF Jalil
    Administrative and Management Sciences Journal 4 (1), 1-11 , 2025
    2025
  • Sharing is caring: Exploring digital knowledge sharing and SMEs’ green innovative performance through the mediating role of green technology dynamism
    MF Jalil, AHB Md Isa, DAB Awang Marikan, M Jais
    International Journal of Engineering Business Management 17, 18479790251359378 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 14
  • Fostering Employee Innovation through Authentic Leadership: The Mediating Role of Technology Diversity in the Telecom Industry of Pakistan
    A Ahmad, MZMB Harun, MF Jalil
    Administrative and Management Sciences Journal 3 (2), 214-228 , 2025
    2025
  • The influence of blockchain technology on green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs: A multigroup analysis
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, A Ali, M bin Jais
    Sustainable Futures 9, 100636 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 14
  • Kickstart manufacturing SMEs' go green journey: A green hydrogen acceptance framework to enhance low carbon emissions through green digital technologies
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, M bin Jais, MA bin Arip
    International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 105, 592-610 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 15
  • The influential role of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in digital value creation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs): does technological orientation mediate this …
    MF Jalil, P Lynch, DABA Marikan, AHBM Isa
    AI & SOCIETY 40 (3), 1875-1896 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 46
  • The influence of meaningful work on the mental health of SME employees in the COVID-19 era: can coping strategies mediate the relationship?
    MF Jalil, A Ali
    BMC public health 23 (1), 2435 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 17
  • Does meaningful work mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and mental health? Evidence from Malaysian SME employees
    MF Jalil, B Tariq, A Ali
    Frontiers in sociology 8, 1138536 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 8
  • The influence of psychological capital and social capital on women entrepreneurs’ intentions: the mediating role of attitude
    MF Jalil, A Ali, R Kamarulzaman
    Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 10 (1), 393 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 42
  • Responses to COVID-19, small and medium enterprises’ corporate social responsibility and psychological capital of employees: From the mediating perspective of affective commitment
    MF Jalil, B Tariq, MA Zaheer, Z Ahmed
    Heliyon 9 (4) , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 9
  • Does innovation capability improve SME performance in Malaysia? The mediating effect of technology adoption
    MF Jalil, A Ali, R Kamarulzaman
    The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation 23 (4), 253-267 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 122
  • Microfinance services and MSE growth in Pakistan: The mediating perspective of social and psychological capital
    MF Jalil, AB Ali, Z Ahmed
    Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation 18 (1), 93-130 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 21
  • Evaluating the mediating relationship of social inclusion between digital financial inclusion services, and MSE development in Malaysia
    MF Jalil
    Asian Journal of Management Science and Applications 7 (2), 103-122 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 4
  • Microfinance towards micro-enterprises development in rural Malaysia through digital finance
    MF Jalil
    Discover sustainability 2 (1), 55 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 56
  • The mediating effect of coping strategies between psychological capital and small tourism organization resilience: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia
    MF Jalil, A Ali, Z Ahmed, R Kamarulzaman
    Frontiers in psychology 12, 766528 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 43
  • Training perception and innovative behavior of SME employees: examining the mediating effects of firm commitment
    MF Jalil, W Ullah, Z Ahmed
    Sage Open 11 (4), 21582440211067250 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 35
  • Estimation and prediction of financial distress: Non-financial firms in Bursa Malaysia
    HK HIONG, MF JALIL, ATH SENG
    The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business (JAFEB) 8 (8), 1-12 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 10

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Does innovation capability improve SME performance in Malaysia? The mediating effect of technology adoption
    MF Jalil, A Ali, R Kamarulzaman
    The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation 23 (4), 253-267 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 122
  • Microfinance towards micro-enterprises development in rural Malaysia through digital finance
    MF Jalil
    Discover sustainability 2 (1), 55 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 56
  • The influential role of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in digital value creation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs): does technological orientation mediate this …
    MF Jalil, P Lynch, DABA Marikan, AHBM Isa
    AI & SOCIETY 40 (3), 1875-1896 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 46
  • The mediating effect of coping strategies between psychological capital and small tourism organization resilience: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia
    MF Jalil, A Ali, Z Ahmed, R Kamarulzaman
    Frontiers in psychology 12, 766528 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 43
  • The influence of psychological capital and social capital on women entrepreneurs’ intentions: the mediating role of attitude
    MF Jalil, A Ali, R Kamarulzaman
    Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 10 (1), 393 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 42
  • Training perception and innovative behavior of SME employees: examining the mediating effects of firm commitment
    MF Jalil, W Ullah, Z Ahmed
    Sage Open 11 (4), 21582440211067250 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 35
  • Microfinance services and MSE growth in Pakistan: The mediating perspective of social and psychological capital
    MF Jalil, AB Ali, Z Ahmed
    Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation 18 (1), 93-130 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 21
  • The influence of meaningful work on the mental health of SME employees in the COVID-19 era: can coping strategies mediate the relationship?
    MF Jalil, A Ali
    BMC public health 23 (1), 2435 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 17
  • Kickstart manufacturing SMEs' go green journey: A green hydrogen acceptance framework to enhance low carbon emissions through green digital technologies
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, M bin Jais, MA bin Arip
    International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 105, 592-610 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 15
  • Sharing is caring: Exploring digital knowledge sharing and SMEs’ green innovative performance through the mediating role of green technology dynamism
    MF Jalil, AHB Md Isa, DAB Awang Marikan, M Jais
    International Journal of Engineering Business Management 17, 18479790251359378 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 14
  • The influence of blockchain technology on green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs: A multigroup analysis
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, A Ali, M bin Jais
    Sustainable Futures 9, 100636 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 14
  • Leadership as a driver of employees' innovation performance: The mediating effect of Cultural Diversity in UAE Universities.
    HA Tariq, M Effendi, Y Siti Norbaya, J Muhammad Farhan
    Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business 8 (8), 271-285 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 14
  • Discover Sustainability
    MF Jalil
    2021
    Citations: 12
  • A Green Internet of Things (GIoT) Adoption Framework to Enhance Environmental Performance of SMEs Through the Digital Social Networking
    MF Jalil, DABA Marikan, M Jais, K Ayupp, MHM Shukri
    Business Strategy & Development 8 (3), e70179 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 10
  • Estimation and prediction of financial distress: Non-financial firms in Bursa Malaysia
    HK HIONG, MF JALIL, ATH SENG
    The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business (JAFEB) 8 (8), 1-12 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 10
  • Responses to COVID-19, small and medium enterprises’ corporate social responsibility and psychological capital of employees: From the mediating perspective of affective commitment
    MF Jalil, B Tariq, MA Zaheer, Z Ahmed
    Heliyon 9 (4) , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 9
  • Does meaningful work mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and mental health? Evidence from Malaysian SME employees
    MF Jalil, B Tariq, A Ali
    Frontiers in sociology 8, 1138536 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 8
  • Psychological capital intervention towards women entrepreneurship development and entrepreneurial orientation
    SR Manzoor, MF Jalil
    International Journal of Business Management and Administration 3 (2), 22-28 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 8
  • The influence of transformational leadership on employees' innovation in Universities of UAE: mediating effect of Technological Diversity.
    HA Tariq, M Effendi, Y Siti Norbaya, J Muhammad Farhan
    Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business 8 (7), 657-669 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 7
  • Evaluating the mediating relationship of social inclusion between digital financial inclusion services, and MSE development in Malaysia
    MF Jalil
    Asian Journal of Management Science and Applications 7 (2), 103-122 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 4