Journal Contents

This study explores the coping mechanisms of traditional business owners amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago City. Specifically, it examines their lived experiences, the challenges encountered, and the strategies employed to sustain operations during an unprecedented crisis. Using a qualitative narratology research design, the study gathered data from ten purposively selected traditional business owners through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software, revealed four major themes: rock-strewn business experiences, operational challenges, financial difficulties, and adaptive coping mechanisms. Findings indicate that business owners struggled with disrupted operations, declining sales, temporary closures, and limited access to financial support. Despite these adversities, they demonstrated resilience by adopting innovative strategies such as digitalization, online selling, product diversification, and strengthening customer relationships. The transition from traditional to virtual platforms emerged as a critical survival strategy, enabling businesses to maintain customer engagement and generate income. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of proactive problem-solving, social support, and positive reappraisal in navigating crisis conditions. Grounded in Lazarus and Folkman’s coping theory, the results emphasize that adaptive coping strategies significantly contribute to business sustainability during disruptions. This research provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and future researchers by identifying practical strategies that enhance business resilience in times of crisis. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of innovation, flexibility, and strategic adaptation in ensuring the survival and continuity of traditional businesses in a rapidly changing economic environment.

This study investigates the crisis management and resilience of small-scale restaurant business owners amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago City. It aims to identify the challenges encountered, the responses undertaken, and the strategies employed to sustain operations during a period of economic disruption. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected restaurant owners. Thematic analysis revealed that the respondents experienced significant challenges, including temporary business closures, reduced production, declining sales, and substantial income loss. Despite these adversities, the participants demonstrated resilience by adopting various crisis management strategies such as transitioning to food delivery services, utilizing social media for promotion, enhancing customer relationships, and strictly complying with health and safety protocols. The findings further highlight the importance of entrepreneurial determination, innovation, and adaptability in navigating crisis situations. Anchored on the Crisis Management Model, the study emphasizes that effective planning, rapid response, and continuous adaptation are essential components in ensuring business survival during unpredictable events. Moreover, resilience emerged as a key factor that enabled business owners to endure economic hardships and maintain operations despite uncertainty. The study provides practical insights for small business owners, policymakers, and future researchers by identifying strategies that can strengthen crisis preparedness and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, it underscores the critical role of flexibility, innovation, and proactive management in overcoming the impacts of global crises on small-scale enterprises