The Impact of Adaptation on Performance Through Business Resilience in Times of Crisis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented global challenges, impacting economies and public health. While it continues to place pressure on businesses, it has also prompted opportunities for adaptation. The ability of businesses to adapt, a precursor to business resilience (BR), plays a key role in firms' recovery from adversity and enhances performance. This research addressed research gaps by investigating how a business's adaptability influences SMEs' resilience and performance. Using design science research (DSR) methodology to identify key factors that shape business resilience and measure the impact of processes and managerial practices, structural modelling was used to test hypotheses. Results show that a business responsiveness in terms of processes significantly improves its performance. Conversely, a business's capability to manage supply chain disruptions positively affects performance through its resilience. This study contributes by creating a theoretical framework, offering empirical evidence on the impact of processes and practices on resilience and performance.