Contextualizing small business resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from small business owner-managers

In light of the unprecedented global crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic, resilient businesses are those more likely to make transition post-COVID era. Our study draws on concept psychological resilience and focusses individual owner-managers end examining business in context pandemic. We conduct a longitudinal qualitative study, collecting data from 35 small between April December 2020. findings—which provide insights into micro-underpinnings exhibited response pandemic—illustrate responses qualities at both personal leadership levels, which facilitate actions level. By drawing perspective, our provides novel conceptualization person-role-organization nexus. The towards better understanding during exogenous shocks, such as Psychological involves an individual’s ability adapt or thrive face life’s adversities uncertainties. reveal sequential process centred their abilities build-up strengthen any capacities, appear be prerequisites for establishment level business. contribute theoretically conceptualizing links path dependencies personal, (role), organizational businesses. conclusion, practical implications essential personal-level that can guide role midst continuing