The Relationship between the Application of Management Accounting Information and the Operational Efficiency of SMEs in The Service Business Sector in Yasothon Province

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) examine the relationship between the application of management accounting information and business operational performance, and (2) propose guidelines for applying management accounting information to enhance the operational performance of service-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Yasothon Province, Thailand. The sample consisted of 300 service-sector SME entrepreneurs in Yasothon Province, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The statistical methods employed for data analysis included mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were female, aged 40–49 years, held a bachelor’s degree, and operated their businesses as limited partnerships. Overall, the application of management accounting information was at a high level, with decision-making and cost management receiving the highest mean score. Similarly, the overall operational performance of the businesses was at a high level, with operating profit and loss recording the highest mean score. The correlation analysis indicated that all dimensions of management accounting information application were significantly and positively associated with business operational performance at the .01 significance level. Among these dimensions, controlling exhibited the strongest relationship with operational performance, followed by directing and decision-making and cost management, respectively. In contrast, planning and forecasting showed a positive but relatively weak relationship with operational performance. Based on these findings, SME entrepreneurs should place greater emphasis on applying management accounting information to controlling, directing, and decision-making processes, as these areas are important components in supporting and enhancing business operational performance.