DO FAMILY AND FRIENDS MATTER? A STUDY ON THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
Keywords:
Sustentabilidade Financeira, Pequenas Empresas, Crise covid-19, Capital SocialAbstract
This study analyzes the influence of support from friends and family on the financial sustainability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) during COVID-19. The research used a descriptive and quantitative design, through a survey applied to 40 companies in the western region of Paraná. The questionnaire addressed financial sustainability, family support, and support from friends, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis techniques. The results indicated that emotional support, especially from family members, was conducive to financial resilience, while financial support was less prevalent, particularly in the case of friends. The financial sustainability of the companies was assessed as unfavorable compared to their competitors. The research highlights the relevance of close support networks for the resilience of MSMEs in crises, contributing to the literature on small and medium-sized enterprises and suggesting strategies to strengthen financial sustainability in contexts of economic adversity. As a theoretical contribution, the influence of the social relationships of family and friends on the financial sustainability of MSMEs during periods of systemic crises for these organizations is analyzed. The practical contribution lies in the analysis of entrepreneurial strategies that SMEs can establish to overcome potential future crises, maintaining their financial sustainability and longevity.
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