Adaptiveness of MSMEs During Times of Environmental Disruption: Exploratory Study of Capabilities-Based Insights from Nigeria

Whereas the strategic management literature has widely established firms’ responsiveness to human-made and natural disruptions, there is very little empirical evidence in the literature about the adaptiveness of firms during periods of unexpected disruptions caused by health-related outbreaks. The study focused on investigating the adaptiveness of MSMEs during times of environmental disruptions. The study adopted a qualitative method to investigate strategies that are relevant to ensuring the adaptiveness of MSMEs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, semi-structured interviewing was conducted to collect data from the respondents. The result from this study revealed that during environmental disruptions MSMEs in Nigeria are fast adopting digital methods and the possibilities of adjusting their firms’ operations and supply chain modalities to virtual possibilities, while yet sustaining the firm’s existence.