Small and medium enterprise-SMEs´ resilience model based on maturity cycle

Abstract

Currently, companies deal with the consequences of disruptive events derived from climate change, increased number of hurricanes, changes in wildlife species, pandemics and so on. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are more vulnerable due to their limited financial, human, and operational resources. This requires that companies have greater resilience, incorporating strategies adapted for the development of a maturity to face this situation. This article proposes a qualification model to assess the maturity status of SMEs based on their resilience level. To test the model, fieldwork has been carried out, interviewing three Mexican SMEs, which managed the effects of sargassum in Puerto Morelos. The exposure to large amounts of sargassum in decomposition can affect people with symptoms such as nausea, tearing and headaches, including allergic skin reactions, among other diseases. The use of the instrument allowed identifying the maturity status of the companies linking with the main practices used to increase resilience capabilities. According to the findings, SMEs have no preparation plans to cope a disruption, until when they learn about the impact, because of the crisis. It was clear, with 2 SMEs that the years' experience with other natural disruptions helps them to find new market opportunities to transform their business and help each other as a community.