Date of Conferral

6-5-2025

Date of Award

June 2025

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

NEAL THERSA

Abstract

Some small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners in the hotel industry face survival challenges during economic downturns, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the 2016 oil glut crisis. SME hotel owners are concerned about addressing these challenges to ensure profitability and sustainability amid economic crises. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies SME hotel owners used to maintain business success amid economic crises. The participants were six SME hotel owners in Nigeria who had implemented strategies to remain profitable and sustainable. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and a review of public documents related to business strategies, profitability, and sustainability. Thematic analysis yielded six main themes: (a) business ownership and decision making, (b) profitability, (c) cost reduction, (d) communication and good human relations, (e) diversification, and (f) capacity building and innovation to streamline and maintain strategies for sustainability and profitability during economic crises. A key recommendation is for business owners in the hotel industry to be strategic and adaptable to changes in the industry due to the changing economic climate. The implications for positive social change include the potential for SME hotel owners to foster sustainable and profitable businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for employees and customers through better working conditions, and by actively engaging with their communities, strengthening social ties and support networks.

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