Juxtapose the Findings against the Literature in Chapter V Dissertation-Nursing Paper Examples

The study highlights four critical themes that answer the research questions. The key themes include (1) Participants experienced high degrees of uncertainty regarding how long the crisis would last, (2) Changes in procedures were implemented with a sense of urgency, (3) Effective communication with employees was essential, and (4) In a crisis, focus on employee well-being first (Juxtapose the Findings).

High Degree of Uncertainty

The research findings show that owners of small businesses experienced extended periods of uncertainty. More so, which prompted them to figure out how to keep the business running and relate with customers. Some adopted social media marketing, such as Facebook, and incorporated the client needs in business management. Consequently, while others encouraged healthy marketing competition, boosting sales (Juxtapose the Findings).

Moreover, business owners were concerned about the health of employees and customers, thereby adopting the CDC guidelines. Consequently, Suresh et al. (2021) argued that small business owners are aware of the consequences of a crisis. Furthermore, the risks of not having a business strategy to mitigate its impact. However, as corroborated by these findings, most small business owners have chosen not to have a business strategy for various reasons (Juxtapose the Findings).

Most small business owners did not have a business strategy and had to establish one to remain operational during the pandemic. Furthermore, Ahmed et al. (2018) suggested that the inherent flexibility of small businesses allows them to adjust quickly to changing market trends, and flexibility management is essential for small business owners. Specifically, small business owners can modify their methods of operation and implement changes faster than large businesses. Subsequently, Abdullahi et al. (2021) facilitated swift response by small business owners who understand the need to adjust their mode of operation (Juxtapose the Findings).

Procedural Changes (Juxtapose the Findings)

The study implies that small business owners who remained operational throughout the pandemic adopted various measures, such as the evaluation of the impact of the pandemic on the business. Furthermore, the adoption of the CD guidelines for companies, and taking employee temperatures, which guided the need for time off work. Additionally, they adopted the use of Facetime/video walkthroughs, internet, and social media sales and marketing adoption. Moreover, a COVID-19 education intervention for employees and customers, and guidelines for business operations (Juxtapose the Findings).

These findings corroborate the suggestions by Westerlund et al. (2017) that small business owners create business approaches that leverage their resources for a competitive advantage and to create niche markets. From an entrepreneur’s perspective, it is easy to recognize that, although the strategies adopted by the small business owners were not novel, they were unique to the business at that moment. Hence, corroborating the successful outcomes. Therefore, planning and forecasting in business are crucial for successful outcomes and mitigating market disruptions. In addition, in achieving resilience (Williams et al., 2018; Gibson & Cassar, 2002; Wiśniewski, 2021) (Juxtapose the Findings).

Furthermore, the small business owners considered their business operation a critical source of income, and necessary implements, including masks, sanitizers, and hand soap, were purchased for business operations. Consequently, Lanivich et al. (2020) acknowledge the importance of entrepreneurship in generating income for small businesses. Small businesses also adopted product discounting and cost-cutting as mitigating measures. Insufficient working capital is also a significant determinant of business failure (Kautonen et al., 2015; Khelil, 2015; Kohlbacher et al., 2015) (Juxtapose the Findings).

In this study, the discounting strategy effectively attracted and retained customers. Moreover, attracting new customers and increasing awareness positions small business owners’ products as the answer to customers’ needs (Westjohn & Magnusson, 2017). However, when it comes to positioning products and advancing the needs of a small business, the owners must develop and apply strategic thinking is critical and be ready to compete (Juxtapose the Findings).

Effective Communication (Juxtapose the Findings)

The study shows that small business owners were concerned with miscommunication, thus, prioritizing communication and solving related problems promptly. Moreover, Some small business owners acknowledged the monetary impact of mistakes in their businesses. In addition, usage of cell phones, printed information, and morning meetings that promoted understanding of roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted leaders’ focus to essential resources for organizations’ success (Wicaksono et al., 2021) (Juxtapose the Findings).

The study corroborates a similar shift in focus, considering that small business leaders adopted new strategies to ensure they remained afloat during the pandemic. Moreover,, Wicaksono et al. (2021) indicated that small business owners who wanted to expand their stores reallocated the funds to other platforms to increase sales. Besides, this was significant considering the pandemic’s threat to their business, employees, and partners. In addition, literature suggested increasing focus and global trends toward the business bottom line and increased e-commerce consumption (Yakop et al., 2021; Fedirko et al., 2021). Hence, these trends show that business owners are steadily embracing novel communication with customers (Juxtapose the Findings).

Employee Well-being

The small business owners acknowledged the importance of employees in business operations. As such, employees’ health informs business decisions regarding its operations. For example, Pirouz et al. (2020) noted that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affected people’s lives, including a downward effect on social and economic impact. As a result, business owners adopted many strategies to prevent the community spread of the COVID-19 virus, with companies making various infrastructural adjustments and protecting their employees and customers from contracting it (Juxtapose the Findings).

Several studies echo similar sentiments, with some business owners opting for sales outside the premises. Moreover, a limited number of customers were allowed to shop at a given time, modified work schedules, and upheld every other CDC guideline. Consequently, Other business owners worked with employees closely to determine their needs, including preferred shift hours. In addition purchased hand sanitizers, soap, gloves, and masks to keep themselves, their crew, and customers healthy (Juxtapose the Findings).

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