STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS’ IN AFRICA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Year 2020, Volume: 7 Issue: 4, 277 - 287, 31.12.2020

Chioma Onoshakpor Abasiama Etuknwa Nagmeldin Karamalla-gaiballa

https://doi.org/10.17261/Pressacademia.2020.1324

Abstract

Purpose- The focus of this paper was on role of strategic flexibility in the actualization of organizational resilience of women entrepreneurs’ in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology- In this study, the content bothered primarily on the experiences of women entrepreneurs within Africa – their constraints, challenges and set-backs as well as their opportunities and resilience in this COVID-19 crisis period. Scenarios were drawn from three key nations in Africa – (a) South-Africa, (b) Sudan, and (c) Nigeria. These three offered detailed evidence of the contextual factors and values that shape women entrepreneurs’ actions and tendencies within their various societies and communities.
Findings- Supportive evidence also showed that the strengthening of networks, relationships with stakeholders and the emphasis on information technology advanced the organizations options and provided women entrepreneurs with various advantages in terms of information access, funding, support (social and financial) and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion- On the basis of this observation, it was affirmed that strategic flexibility is essential for the actualization of organizational resilience. Its change driven value for learning and relationships are imperative for the survival and success of women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Keywords

Strategic flexibility, women entrepreneurs, organizational resilience, Africa, COVID-19

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