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Business-community relations under COVID-19: A study of micro and small firms

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  • Bressan, Alessandro
  • Duarte Alonso, Abel
  • Thi Kim Vu, Oanh

Abstract

In considering the premises of social capital and stakeholder theory, this study examines the extent to which firm-community relationships were affected during the COVID-19 crisis, and the significance of firms for their community during this unprecedented event. Responses from 107 Italian micro and small firms were gathered through an online questionnaire. The findings first reveal a strengthening of relations, particularly between firms and other businesses in their community; however, participants’ comments also recognise no changes or even weakening relations. Second, three dimensions highlighting the significance of firms’ survival during the crisis emerged: the community context, underlining firms’ socioeconomic and symbolic contributions, the immediate stakeholders, emphasising contributions towards employment and support of local businesses, and the broader community-society context, underscoring firms’ contribution towards consumer and societal needs. The study proposes a conceptual framework illustrating various relationships between the findings and the considered conceptual underpinnings and suggests various implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Bressan, Alessandro & Duarte Alonso, Abel & Thi Kim Vu, Oanh, 2023. "Business-community relations under COVID-19: A study of micro and small firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 155(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:155:y:2023:i:pa:s0148296322009067
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113441
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