Krishantering inom familjeföretag : En kvalitativ studie om hur små familjeägda restauranger hanterat covid-19 krisen

Sammanfattning: Background: A crisis can be defined as a circumstance or event that threatens a company's performance and indicates the need to take action within the company to prevent potential losses. Companies and industries are affected by crises in different ways, and the nature of the crisis can also affect performance. The COVID-19 crisis is considered a crisis that has had a major negative impact on Swedish companies. Aim: To study how small family businesses have responded to the COVID-19 crisis and its potential effects, and how they have adapted to structural changes resulting from these effects. Method: A qualitative research method has been applied as the focus is on interpretations provided by the respondents through semi-structured interviews. This study is therefore based on a phenomenological approach where the focus is on developing insights into crisis management in small family businesses, with a particular focus on the restaurant industry. Theoretical perspectives: The theoretical framework is primarily built around the themes of family businesses and strategies. In addition, relevant areas and concepts within these themes are also presented, as they are of great importance to the study and the topic of crisis management. Contrubution: The study provides a broader understanding of crisis management in family businesses and the types of strategies adopted by business leaders. This study also highlights the effects that crises have on the Swedish business market and how companies need to adapt their strategies to avoid losses. The study can thus provide organizations with knowledge and insights on how to work with crisis management and strategic planning in the long term. Results and conclusion: This study shows that family-owned restaurants have had to use creativity and the ability to adapt to new conditions. This has thus been crucial during the COVID-19 crisis for the company's flexibility. Management, culture, entrepreneurial ecosystems, replacement planning and crisis management have all been addressed through flexibility as strategies have struggled. Suggestions for further research: Since this study examined Swedish businesses, it would be possible to investigate whether there are any differences in non-Swedish companies and how these work with crisis management. Examining customer perspectives can also contribute with knowledge to entrepreneurs and create an understanding of the customer's actions and needs. It would also be possible to compare the different categories of themes that emerged in this study with larger companies to meet the difference between the types of business.