Highlights
Examines impacts, coping strategies, and adjustments in light of COVID-19.
Selects an international sample of hospitality operations.
Considers insights of the resilience literature and theory.
Develops theoretical frameworks emerging from the chosen inductive approach.
Proposes theoretical and practical implications can illuminate future research.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate understanding of these aspects from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In doing so, the fundamental insights of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, bricolage and improvisation are considered.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on data from 56 business owners-managers operating in eight different nations and representing three geographical regions; the data were gathered through an online questionnaire.
Findings
Various differences in responses from participants operating in the featured geographical settings were revealed. For instance, whereas a higher percentage of South American participants acknowledged financial impacts, they and their European counterparts were also more engaged.
Originality/value
The study provides various original and valuable elements. First, by gathering data from business owners-managers operating in different countries and geographical regions, it provides an international perspective concerning ways in which business operators confront an extreme event. Second, and related to the previous point, the study focusses on a business group (MSMEs), which is fundamental for many nations’ economies. Moreover, the experiences of MSMEs could be timely and insightful to industry and business stakeholders. Third, the proposed theoretical framework highlights various emerging dimensions associated with adaptation and responsiveness, with both theoretical and practical implications.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through the lens of the dynamic capabilities framework. Contrary to most existing research, this study chooses a cross-national viewpoint, exploring companies operating in two emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 company managers operating in eight industries in Vietnam and Bolivia. The chosen inductive analysis was supported by qualitative content analysis and data structure.
Findings
The analysis reveals 13 conceptual dimensions. For instance, sensing opportunities underlines tangible and intangible “direct prospects”, such as enhanced accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness, whereas “operational management pressures” (sensing threats) identify the dilemma of changing individuals’ mindset, recruitment and addressing financial needs. While there is an overall agreement in key dimensions, differences between managers from both countries also arise, including staff’s adaptation and constant upskilling.
Originality/value
Empirically, this study responds to calls for cross-national studies investigating I4.0 initiatives. In doing so, the data gathered from company managers engaged in business in emerging economies afford new perspectives, with practitioner value. Theoretically, the numerous dimensions emerging from the data analysis provide useful conceptual insights to understand managerial aspects in considering and adapting to I4.0 expectations and requirements. These insights are reinforced by the development of a conceptual model that illuminates the initiatives, efforts and challenges of embracing this phenomenon.
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