Quantitative Modeling of the Structural Determinants of QHSE Maturity in Cameroonian SMEs: Empirical Validation Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of Quality-Health-Safety-Environment (QHSE) management systems as a strategic mechanism to enhance organizational performance, mitigate operational risks, and ensure regulatory compliance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. We quantitatively model and empirically validate the key structural determinants influencing QHSE maturity in 214 Cameroonian SMEs operating across four sectors: agri-food, construction and public works, light chemical industry, and technical services. Drawing on organizational capability theory and principles of integrated management systems, we examine factors including firm size, process formalization, hierarchical structure, digitalization level, regulatory adherence, and the presence of dedicated QHSE functions. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Our findings demonstrate that process formalization, digitalization, and regulatory compliance are the primary drivers of QHSE maturity, collectively explaining 67.4% of the variance, while managerial leadership and organizational learning act as significant mediators. Furthermore, we introduce a four-level QHSE maturity typology, specifically tailored to the structural characteristics of Cameroonian SMEs, which extends the theoretical understanding of integrated QHSE management in developing country contexts. This research provides managers with an analytical framework to support continuous improvement processes and offers policymakers evidence-based insights to design targeted interventions for improving QHSE performance. Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the study establishes a foundation for future longitudinal and cross-regional research, with relevance for SMEs in comparable international settings.