Addressing the COVID-19 challenges by SMEs in the hotel industry – a Czech sustainability message for emerging economies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Radka MacGregor Pelikanova ◽  
Eva Daniela Cvik ◽  
Robert Kenyon MacGregor

Purpose Emerging economies have to address positive challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, entrepreneurial readiness and planning and behavioral strategies and negative challenges, such as corruption and bureaucracy. The COVID-19 pandemic hit all economies and arguably made hotel businesses that are from less typical emerging economies, such as the Czech Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to deal with similar challenges to that of their counterparts from typical emerging economies. How do Czech hotel SMEs address the COVID-19 challenges and what sustainability message can be extracted from that with the relevance for not only businesses from emerging economies? The purpose of this paper is to explore how Czech hotel SMEs address the COVID-19 challenges and what sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A consolidated parsing of the literature, legislative and analytical framework, along with an investigative case study of 11 Czech hotel SMEs was performed, based on the questionnaire survey and semi-structured in-depth direct interviews. The holistic thematic analysis processed this fresh data and allowed Socratic questioning and glossing while addressing both research questions. Findings The performed case study reveals that typical challenges faced by entrepreneurs in emerging economies became, via COVID-19, universal challenges, these challenges are a valuable impulse for digitalization and changes of entrepreneurial strategies, but not so much for sustainability, and the omnipresent negative impact of corruption and bureaucracy. Originality/value This paper presents a pioneering study regarding the addressing COVID-19 and sustainability concerns by SMEs in a less typical emerging economy and offering a universal, partially comparative and sadly not so sustainable, message which is not just limited to emerging economies.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atie Rachmiatie ◽  
Fitri Rahmafitria ◽  
Karim Suryadi ◽  
Ajeng Ramadhita Larasati

Purpose The research aims to classify halal hotels based on Islamic values as embodied in both physical and non-physical attributes. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the perceived values of business owners of the halal hotels. Findings Perceptions of hotel owners are divided into three types: those who view the value of halal hotel only in terms of branding and attracting consumers; those who consider the ideology behind halal hotels based on strong Islamic values; and those who avoid halal branding but implement Islamic values in their hotels. For the hotel industry, halal certification is not a priority because a minimum effort at implementing halal standards can already attract Muslim customers. This case is especially true for countries where Muslims make up the majority of the population. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to a case study in Bandung and Bangkok as a representative of halal tourism in Asia. Hence, it could be extended by conducting comparative studies with other cities in Association of South East Asian Nation which already declare to develop halal tourism. Practical implications The findings of this research show that there is a large variety of halal hotel products, depending on the Islamic values upheld, which is causing difficulties for the government in creating standards. Then the result can help inform the government in establishing the strategic framework of halal tourism development, more particularly in the formulation of policy for industrial actors. Originality/value The findings contribute to the concept of product-centered business, in which it is generally assumed that industrial actors are frequently focused on the mere label of “halal” and ignore the true values. However, the research shows that some industrial actors put Islamic values first instead of the mere halal label, and another case shows that some of them implement Islamic values in their business but avoid halal branding. This empirical evidence shows that in halal hotels, the concept of product-centered is not always proper. The quality of halal hotel products depends on the Islamic value of the owner, not always influenced by business imperatives.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guydeuk Yeon ◽  
Paul C. Hong ◽  
Elangovan N. ◽  
Divakar G. M.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. This paper aims to examine how India's SMEs implement their strategic responses in this crisis. Design/methodology/approach The study uses dynamic capability theory to explore the strategic responses of SMEs. Strategy implementation theory helps to explain how they implement innovative practices for outcomes. A research model defines the COVID-19 challenges, strategic responses and performance outcomes. The study reports the findings of an initial pilot study of 75 firms and follow-up case study results in the context of COVID-19. Findings Firms choose their approaches according to their perceived market risks. Case studies illustrate that firms display diverse attitudes depending on their strategic direction, leadership vision and organizational culture. They achieve different outcomes by implementing specific styles of risk management practices (e.g. risk-averting, risk-taking and risk-thriving). Research limitations/implications Although the study context is Indian SMEs, the findings suggest meaningful lessons for other emerging economies in similar crisis events. The propositions may be extended to future research in broad contexts. Practical implications Even in the extraordinary COVID-19 market crisis, SMEs with limited resources display their strategic potential by recognizing their unique capabilities, translating them into effective actions and achieving desirable outcomes. Social implications In the COVID-19 pandemic, top leaders' mental attitude, strategic perspective and routine practices are contagious. Positive leadership motivates both internal and external stakeholders with an enormous level of collaboration. Originality/value This rare study of Indian SMEs provides a theoretical framework for designing a pilot survey and conducting a case study of multiple firms. Based on these findings, testable propositions are articulated for future research in diverse organizational and national contexts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 751-767
Author(s):  
Yan Guo ◽  
Liran Chen ◽  
Shih-Chieh Fang ◽  
Chen-Wei Yang

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a cross-level model of legitimacy-driven institutional change in a Chinese management context; in other words, changes that start out as legitimacy gaining processes by green enterprises but result in a shift in field-level market logic. Design/methodology/approach A case study using a historical inquiry approach and in-depth interviews has been used to qualitatively analyze the authors’ case in the Chinese photovoltaic industry. Findings The study proposes a cross-level explanation of institutional change by demonstrating how institutional change can create market forces at a field level that seemingly originate from an increase in the number of legitimated enterprises. This may negatively influence enterprises’ ongoing legitimacy gaining process for their survival at the organizational level in an institutional environment. Research limitations/implications The theoretical perspective helps improve descriptions of institutional change and develop a much-needed multi-level understanding of green enterprises in the highly institutionalized green industry. However, this case study may raise the concern of generalizability; thus, an additional survey is necessary. Practical implications As organizational field-level market forces are endorsed and transformed in the legitimacy gaining activities of green enterprises, a green enterprise manager should be aware of its negative impact on their legitimacy gaining process and ultimate survival. Originality/value The authors’ model proposes a cross-level explanation of institutional change by demonstrating how institutional change can create market forces at a field level that seemingly originate from an increase in the number of legitimated enterprises. Consequently, this may negatively influence the enterprises’ legitimacy gaining process.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Akrivos ◽  
Adele Ladkin ◽  
Panayiotis Reklitis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore career strategies used by Greek hotel managers in order to advance their careers successfully.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study sample of 65 hotel general managers working in deluxe hotels in Greece, data on career strategies were collected using a postal questionnaire.FindingsIt is revealed that the managers use a range of different strategies in order to advance their careers. The most commonly used are in relation to career opportunities, skills, mobility, interpersonal relations and handling diverse situations. The least commonly used ones relate to family contacts, job search techniques and pay.Practical implicationsThe strategies are discussed in terms of recruitment, training and retention of managers in the hotel industry.Originality/valueThis paper builds on the knowledge of careers strategies used for career success.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ares Kalandides

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the academic debate on participatory urban development in two ways: first, by proposing a methodological framework though which urban policies can be assessed; and second, through a case study that applies the framework, delivering an analysis of the policy intentions of the current Berlin administration.Design/methodology/approachThe first section of this paper introduces the case study, placing it in the political context in Berlin and suggesting an initial reading of the relevant documents that frame policy in participatory urban development today. The second section includes an attempt at disambiguation, a conceptual and an analytical framework, followed by a preliminary assessment of the Berlin participatory policy. The final part of this paper draws conclusions and sets a possible future research agenda.FindingsParticipation is present in several passages of the Contract and refers to different possible readings of the term: participation as institutional framework, participation as rights, participation in the public sphere and participation as practice.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the disambiguation of the concept of “citizen participation”, proposes a framework through which to assess policy and offers an initial analysis of the policy intentions of the current Berlin administration.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Boon ◽  
Philip Grant ◽  
Jan Kietzmann

Purpose Sometimes consumers express their enthusiasm for a brand by creating brand extensions, products or services in new categories that are closely affiliated with the “parent” brand. This paper aims to examine the positive or negative impact that consumer-generated brand extensions (CGBEs) can have on brand image and revenue, and the options that companies have available to deal with them. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a case study of the collectible strategy card game – Magic: The Gathering – and discusses how the company responded to five different brand extensions that were created by players. This case study was used to develop a framework that allows managers to evaluate CGBEs based on their benefits and risks and to select an appropriate response. Findings Four possible responses were identified: challenge, criticize, commend and catalyze. Which of these responses is appropriate for companies depends on whether the CGBE has a positive or negative impact on the brand image and revenue and whether this impact is large enough to merit an active response. Originality/value This study shows that it is essential for managers to understand how to evaluate CGBEs. Managed properly, they can improve product usage, help generate new customers and have a positive impact on revenue and brand image. However, CGBEs can also have a negative effect, in particular if they are substitutes for the original product.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Gyarteng-Mensah ◽  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
David Edwards ◽  
Isaac Baidoo ◽  
Hatem El-Gohary

Purpose Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), this study aims to better understand the job preference of postgraduate students studying at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Institute of Distance Learning, Ghana and also rank the attributes of a job they deem important. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a positivist epistemological design contextualised within a deductive approach and case study strategy. Primary survey data was collected from a stratified random sample of 128 postgraduate students with multi-sectorial career prospects. Sample students were subjected to a DCE in which their stated preferences were collected using closed-ended questionnaires with 28 pairs of hypothetical job profiles. Respondents’ preferences from the DCE data were then modelled using the conditional logit. Findings The research reveals that: salary in the range GHC 2,800.00 to GHC 3,400.00 ($1 = GHS 5.3); supportive management; very challenging jobs; and jobs located in the city were the top attributes that were significant and had the most impact in increasing the utility of selecting a particular job. Interestingly, jobs with no extra hours workload were not significant hence, had a negative impact upon student preferences. Originality/value This novel research is the first to use a DCE to better elicit preference and trade-offs of postgraduate students in a developing country towards varying job characteristics that have an impact on their future employment decisions. Knowledge advancements made provide invaluable insight to employers and policymakers on the key criteria that should be implemented to retain the best candidate.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Doritta Rodrigues ◽  
Matheus Eurico Soares de Noronha

Purpose This paper aims to search measures that unicorn startups have implemented during the pandemic and show what lessons can be learned to help entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses to overcome the crisis. Design/methodology/approach The method is a multiple case study with five unicorn startups. This study collected data through interviews and analyzed them by the content analysis technique. Findings The findings show that the pandemic affects negatively unicorns’ businesses; that a digital business model innovation affects them positively; and that innovations moderate positively the negative impact of the crisis. Research limitations/implications Most interviewees hold operational positions. Practical implications Three actions stand out to overcome the crisis: adoption of new digital platforms; strategies to increase the network of partners; and adaptations in the provision of payment services. Originality/value The cases show that entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises need to develop capabilities to innovate in their business models, and digitalization is a solution to face the crisis and overcome it in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 1141-1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo J.C. de Correia ◽  
Jorge Lengler ◽  
Asad Mohsin

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess motivational factors in the internationalisation of Portuguese hotel firms. Design/methodology/approach The epistemological approach that supports the development of this study is based on a deductive strategy. A comprehensive multi-case study was performed in which theoretical propositions were tested prior to further development. Findings The results of this study reveal that the internationalisation process of Portuguese hotel companies was triggered by managers’ entrepreneurial attitudes and international vision that in themselves embraced a combination of particular resources and competencies. Research limitations/implications Noteworthy are study’s contributions to international entrepreneurship as an individual act within existing social networks established by managers and the management team as a result of previous business experiences. The impact of this overall entrepreneurial profile on firms’ behaviour is also of interest. Limitations of the study relate to its cross-sectional nature and the number of interviewees. Originality/value The integration of economic paradigms with behaviour theories and the resource-based view to understand how and why Portuguese hotel companies engage in international endeavours is a major contribution of this study.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Sabatini ◽  
Thomas O’Toole ◽  
Gianluca Gregori

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability is integrated into a new venture’s business network initiation. This study unpacks sustainability in business network initiation using temporal bracketing and identifying its main processes. Temporal bracketing supports the understanding of the evolution of sustainability in network initiation. The processes help explore the sustainability patterns that emerge from the new venture’s attempt to integrate sustainability into network initiation. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory case study of an Italian pasta maker draws on industrial network theory to focus on the business network initiation of new ventures. The novelty is the integration of sustainability into the business network initiation literature. This paper adopts a single case study methodology and an abductive approach to analysis. Findings This study finds that sustainability in network initiation is achieved through three periods of initiation and through five processes that are overlapping, intertwined and reciprocal. This study suggests that sustainability can have a positive or negative impact when integrated into the initiation process. Originality/value This paper provides a conceptual framework for understanding how a new venture integrates sustainability in its network initiation. The framework comprises periods and processes of network initiation which show how a new venture can integrate sustainability in its business activities and resources through interaction with network actors.


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