Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

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

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Ronald Black

Abstract

Many owners of small business restaurants lack financial strategies for successful business recovery following a disaster. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to explore the financial strategies 3 owners of small business restaurants used for successful business recovery following a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conceptual framework for this study included theories of reasoned action, planned behavior, and vested interest. Historical evidence of past practices supported semistructured interviews with 3 owners of small restaurant businesses. Yin's 5-step analysis guided transcribing and coding of the participants' responses. The major themes of this study revealed that strategies such as communication, having funds on-hand, flood deterrents, and disaster planning helped owners prepare for a natural disaster. The owners' actions related to preventing restaurant closures and unemployment, and to supporting community stability, family unity, job opportunities, and economic growth. All owners of small restaurant businesses were successful in planning after disaster created opportunities for increased employment for those who wished to return and rebuild. The findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by supporting strategies including positive attitudes and disaster preparedness to prevent business closing and contribute to the local economy.

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