“RESILIENCE PRACTICES BY SMALL BUSINESSES OF VULNERABLE ECOSYSTEMS: ENTREPRENEURING DURING A DISASTER”
Date: 28th of August 2024
Time: 2 P.M.
Location: ISM, Room 102
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Modestas Gelbūda (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management – S 003).
Co-supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irina Liubertė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management – S 003).
About the doctoral dissertation:
This doctoral dissertation examines how small businesses in vulnerable entrepreneurial ecosystems develop resilience practices in a disaster setting. It focuses on the case of La Araucanía, Chile, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a region characterized by high socioeconomic vulnerability and frequent shocks produced by natural and anthropic disasters. The study aims to understand how small businesses in such ecosystems navigate and adapt to the challenges posed by disasters. The research employs the Theory of Practice paradigm and Constructionist Grounded Theory Methodology, utilizing qualitative analysis of primary data collected through in-depth interviews with 52 small business owner-managers and archival documents on governmental pandemic measures. The research also highlights the unique challenges faced by small businesses in vulnerable entrepreneuring ecosystems. The findings reveal a typology of resilience practices, categorized into three themes: (i) Treading Water in Vortexes: This theme encompasses practices related to organizing and adapting to the immediate challenges of the disaster, such as changing business hours, implementing safety measures, and seeking information. (ii) Paddling through Gushes: This theme focuses on strategic practices aimed at adapting to the changing business landscape, such as developing new products or services, changing distribution channels, and seeking financial support. (iii) Positioning to Navigate: This theme highlights practices related to building and leveraging relationships with stakeholders, such as government authorities, business associations, and professional service providers. The study’s findings contribute to the understanding of small business resilience practices in a dynamic and context-dependent setting of a vulnerable entrepreneuring ecosystem enduring an anthropic disaster. It emphasizes the importance of both spontaneous and intentional actions under the three key dimensions of entrepreneurial practices: (i) material dimension which focuses on the tangible resources, tools, and technologies that small businesses utilize in their practices; (ii) relational dimension that emphasizes the social interactions and relationships that small businesses engage in as part of their practices; and (iii) processual dimension which highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of entrepreneurial small business practices, including resilience practices. The insights generated by this study have implications for both small business decision-makers and ecosystem policymakers, offering guidance on how to foster small business resilience in the face of adversity.
Chairperson:
Prof. Dr. Viltė Auruškevičienė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management – S 003).
Members:
- Prof. Dr. Valdonė Darškuvienė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Economics – S004)
- Assoc. Prof. Giacomo Marzi (IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy, Social Sciences, Management – S003)
- Prof. Dr. Vida Škudienė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management – S003)
- Assoc. Prof. Žilvinas Židonis (Vilnius University, Social Sciences, Management – S003).
