Small Business Adaptations to a Global Pandemic in Scotland
Abstract
This dissertation explores the changes in which business owners have implemented into
their business in Scotland during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Also, throughout this
research it will explore the business owner’s thoughts and feelings throughout and how it
has affected their business as a whole.
The main topics throughout this dissertation which is backed with literature is Crisis
Management, previous challenges businesses have overcome, the changes in
businesses and this will also explore the impact that the global pandemic has had on
business owners whether that is financial or causing them stress and anxiety.
A qualitative research method was used to conduct the research through an email
interview as it was important to get the results first-hand from participants which is why
qualitative was the best approach for this study. The sampling used for this project was
both purposive sampling and maximum variation sampling as these were identified the
most effective for this particular project. 7 Participants were interviewed for this project
with structured interview questions, ranging from different industries through the beauty
sector. They were all based in small businesses in the Scottish Borders.
Analysis of the data shows that small business owners in Scotland have not responded
well throughout the global pandemic. Other themes emerged from the results from the
participants are the worries that business owners are faced with and also the restrictions
that not only the pandemic is having on businesses but also the measures put in place
such as social distancing and personal protective equipment. In the conclusion, recommendations for future research have been made aware, by using
a different location for the participants so that there is information from smaller areas and
larger areas as it would be interesting to see if different locations affected them in a
different way. Also, interviewing business owners who work with partners to gain insight
on how it affected them but also if it was any easier or harder especially due to the
financial impact.