Imagining the Growth in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan under COVID19 Outbreak

Authors

  • Arshia Ishaq University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan
  • Mamona Sadaf University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan
  • Amjad Ali University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan
  • Sehrish Naz University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52131/joe.2022.0404.0100

Keywords:

Performance, Growth, COVID-19, Exporting firms

Abstract

Pandemics affect the performance of almost all firms globally. COVID-19, which is considered a pandemic, has disturbed firms worldwide but this impact is more intense on small and medium-sized firms. This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the growth performance of majorly export-oriented firms in Pakistan. We surveyed 400 local and exporting firms in Pakistan using random sampling technique. We examined the firm’s growth using the structural equation modeling technique and identified that firm’s finances are not affected much during the pandemic but it has impacted the firm’s operations, supply chains, and labor retention. We further observed that firms ‘efforts in improving their online presence have improved during the pandemic which shows people can change their business strategies according to the changing contingencies. Technology adoption proved one of the dominant strategies for survival under pandemic. We have shared some approaches and policies for curtailing the impact of COVID-19 and improving the firm’s situation.

Author Biographies

Arshia Ishaq, University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan

Lecturer, Knowledge Unit of Business Economics Accountancy and Commerce (KUBEAC)

Mamona Sadaf, University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan

Assistant Professor, Knowledge Unit of Business Economics Accountancy and Commerce (KUBEAC)

Amjad Ali, University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan

Associate Professor, Knowledge Unit of Business Economics Accountancy and Commerce (KUBEAC)

Sehrish Naz, University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan

Lecturer, Knowledge Unit of Business Economics Accountancy and Commerce (KUBEAC)

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Published

2022-12-26

How to Cite

Ishaq, A., Sadaf, M., Ali, A., & Naz, S. (2022). Imagining the Growth in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan under COVID19 Outbreak. IRASD Journal of Economics, 4(4), 583–593. https://doi.org/10.52131/joe.2022.0404.0100