Exploring factors that support business resilience and recovery after a disruption

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and to provide additional insight into understanding of the different factors that have been adopted by organisations towards achieving business recovery after experiencing complex challenges and disruption. Following the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of various restrictions that affected business negatively, some organisations found innovative ways to recover from the negative impact. A qualitative, exploratory research approach was adopted for the study. Data was collected from individuals representing 15 organisations that have fully recovered from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and those organisations that have started to reflect signs of business recovery. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants that represented the leadership and the general staff of diverse South African companies that were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the study showed that a combination of factors supported the business recovery of these organisations. The financial and operational efficiencies that were introduced by these organisations mitigated the impact of the demand and supply side challenges that were presented by the pandemic. Furthermore, the decisive leadership from these organisations ensured that the appropriate interventions, responsive and strategic, were implemented in the navigation through the disruptive period. The findings from this study should prove useful to decision-makers and serve as good practice on factors that enhance business recovery after a disruption. The findings will add to the existing body of work related to the phenomena.