Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Dr Janet M. Booker
Abstract
Many small business owners lack strategies to mitigate natural disasters. Damage caused by natural disasters usually costs millions of dollars in injuries or lost lives, disruption to operations, and property damage. Small business owners who fail to plan and prepare for disaster frequently face closure when disasters strike. The goal of this study was to explore strategies independent auto maintenance business owners use to mitigate natural disasters. Holling’s organizational resilience theory grounded this qualitative multiple case study. Five purposively selected participants who implemented disaster mitigation strategies from Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana participated in this study. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data, supplemented by triangulation using company documents, strategic plans, financial data, emails, website information, and operation manuals. Yin’s 5-step data analysis process yielded four themes: employee relations and financial strength, disaster planning and response guideline, communication, and collaboration and partnership. The key recommendation for business owners is to understand, plan, and execute successful natural disaster mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity and resilience. The implication for positive social change is the potential for businesses to avoid permanent business closure, create jobs, retain employees, and improve the economic standard of living for communities.
Recommended Citation
Ogutu, Charles Oluande, "Strategies to Mitigate Natural Disaster Impact in the Auto Maintenance Business" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10310.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10310
