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Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19: What are firms doing and what they need to do?

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  • Atif Saleem Butt

Abstract

The novel COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created havoc and massive disruption to firms’ business operations. While much literature has recently emerged on how this pandemic outbreak has affected the firms. Limited empirical studies to date exist on what actions firms are employing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and further ensure business continuity. Our study attempts to fill this gap in management literature. This study employs a multiple case study methodology. Overall, 36 semi-structured interviews with eight different based in China were undertaken. Results reveal that Chinese firms are employing six distinct actions to control the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring that the business continues to run to its maximum capacity. In particular, firms are educating employees on the symptoms of COVID-19, implementing strict screening protocols, applying agile IT systems, revising their cash flow policies and conducting global scenario planning to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This study concludes by discussing its implications for theory, alongside limitations and future research directions.

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  • Atif Saleem Butt, 2022. "Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19: What are firms doing and what they need to do?," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440211, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:12:y:2022:i:1:p:21582440211071098
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440211071098
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    1. Sheng-Chieh Lee & Ching-Yuan Lin & Ying-Ji Chuang, 2022. "The Study of Alternative Fire Commanders’ Training Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation in New Taipei City, Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-22, May.

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