Resourcing decisions that influenced the survival of SMEs post crisis

Abstract

The objective of this research study is to understand the resourcing decisions made by business owners that influenced the survival of the SMEs post a period of crisis. This study is focused on the theory of Bricolage, as the entrepreneurial reaction to a crisis; and how Bricolage behaviours demonstrated by business owners influenced the resourcing decisions within their enterprises. This study was performed on sixteen business owners based throughout South Africa and operating within various industries. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews, using qualitative narrative inquiry. Using thematic analysis, an understanding was gained of the behaviours that influenced the business owners resourcing decisions and actions undertaken to navigate their resource constraints faced during the crisis. The findings from the study established that business owners, when faced with a crisis, made responsive decisions regarding resources on hand. The findings further reveal business owners used their own insights and behaviours to guide resourcing decisions and relied on strategies involving stakeholder management and business model adaptation to ensure continuity and future sustainability of the business.