The impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Oliveira, Lucia B
• Data de Publicação: 2024
• Outros Autores: David, Flavia Martins
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng; por
• Título da fonte: Revista Ibero Americana de Estratégia - RIAE
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.uninove.br/riae/article/view/23588
• topic: Covid-19; Pequenas e médias empresas; Empreendedorismo; Gestão estratégica; Gestão financeira; Covid-19; Small and medium-sized enterprises; Entrepreneurship; Strategic management; Financial management; Covid-19; Pequeñas y medianas empresas; Emprendimiento; Gestión estratégica; Gestión financiera

Objective: This study examines the main challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Rio de Janeiro amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the conceived solutions, and their outcomes, as perceived by the companies’ managers. It also assesses the extent to which these companies made use of supporting public policies and with what results. Methodology: A qualitative and exploratory research approach was employed based on the multiple case study method. Ten SMEs from Rio de Janeiro, spanning diverse market segments, participated in the study. The analysis focuses on the initial impacts of the pandemic until the end of 2020. Relevance: The relevance of this work lies in the exploration of a novel theme, with a focus on comprehending the challenges faced and solutions devised by SMEs amid the Covid-19 pandemic Results: The results showed that the public policies implemented during the pandemic were essential for the survival of the participating companies. Financial management, with emphasis on working capital, and strategic vision, which enabled the identification of alternative solutions to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, were also decisive. Contributions: By identifying the factors that contributed to and those that hindered the performance of SMEs amidst crisis contexts, we aim to provide guidance for business managers in similar situations, as well as public policy makers.