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Organisational resilience in the COVID-19: A case study from China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2021

Hangsheng Yang ,
Min Tang ,
Xiangrui Chao Open the ORCID record for Xiangrui Chao [Opens in a new window]  and
Pu Li
Hangsheng Yang
Affiliation:
College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Min Tang*
Affiliation:
College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Xiangrui Chao
Affiliation:
Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Pu Li
Affiliation:
College of Management Science, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
*
Author for correspondence: Min Tang, E-mail: tangm@cdut.edu.cn
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Abstract

The sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) sparked widespread concern about organisational resilience in the management domain. The resources, operations and practices of organisational resilience have to be considered in particular contexts at different stages and in relation to numerous inputs, processes and outputs. Selected as one example, the preparation, response and development of a retail supermarket's management and operations in China is examined through an empirical case study. Supply chain and digital construction, improvisational ability, system management and corporate social responsibility all played a positive role in this organisation's response to the outbreak of COVID-19 (2019–2020) in the Chinese management context. Organisational resilience is reflected in the case study organisation's self-interested and altruistic policies and practices. The case provides valuable insights on efficacious management practices for organisational resilience building in the retail industry.

Keywords

COVID-19organisational resiliencesupermarket chain management
Type
Case Study
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 27 , Special Issue 6: Physical and virtual work environments during COVID-19 , November 2021 , pp. 1112 - 1130
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2021

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