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The vulnerability of technology-based business during COVID-19: an indicator-based conceptual framework

Mahsa Kamalipoor (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Morteza Akbari (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Seyed Reza Hejazi (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran)
Alireza Nazarian (Westminster Business School, University of Westmisnter, London, UK)

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing

ISSN: 0885-8624

Article publication date: 29 June 2022

Issue publication date: 21 March 2023

309

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 has affected most business activities, including technology-based business. The higher the business vulnerability rating, the greater the impacts. After identifying three dimensions of vulnerability (exposure, business sensitivity and response capacity), this study aims to determine the potential components and indicators of the vulnerability of technology-based businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the indicator approach, a comprehensive vulnerability model was developed for assessing the vulnerability of the technology-based business against COVID-19.

Findings

In this study, COVID-19, as a biological threat and an exogenous shock, was considered the exposure dimension. Business characteristics, job characteristics, business owner-manager demographics, product and supplier characteristics were identified as the sensitivity dimension, while resources, human capital, technological capitals, social capitals, institutional capitals, infrastructures, management capacity and supply chain capabilities were defined as the adaptive business capability or response capacity. To determine vulnerability and response capacity against exogenous shocks and a pandemic crisis, the framework can act as a useful checklist for managers and owners of technology-based businesses.

Originality/value

Research on the COVID-19, especially in the technology-based business, is still at the emergent stage. This study is a pioneering effort to review the literature on business vulnerability and provide a framework to reduce business vulnerability using the indicator-based approach.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on the second chapter of PhD dissertation of Mahsa Kamalipoor and is supported by University of Tehran.

Citation

Kamalipoor, M., Akbari, M., Hejazi, S.R. and Nazarian, A. (2023), "The vulnerability of technology-based business during COVID-19: an indicator-based conceptual framework", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 38 No. 5, pp. 983-999. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-10-2020-0455

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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