What is it about?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes in many areas of our lives, impacting sustainability. While some companies cut back on their efforts to protect society and the environment to save money, others viewed the pandemic as a reason to do even more. This study looks at how the pandemic affected sustainable strategies in companies in four African countries. COVID-19 made businesses face a tough choice when it came to being sustainable. While some companies that were performing well in this area improved further, others recognized the need to enhance their efforts due to the problems caused by the pandemic. Having teams, good managers, and strong partnerships focused on sustainability made a positive difference in these cases. Notably, some companies stepped in to help when essential services were lacking from the government. Sadly, many companies had to stop their work during the pandemic. Many companies did not want to take risks and others continued with business as usual.

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Why is it important?

This research shows us that companies’ reactions to crises like COVID-19 can vary, especially when it comes to sustainability. It gives us a window into the real world of business during tough times. Ultimately, the key factors shaping outcomes are the availability of appropriate resources, a commitment to sustainability, and the effectiveness of the government in a given country. KEY TAKEAWAY: This study helps us understand how businesses react during crises and how they can contribute to making the world a better place. It emphasizes the importance of companies having the right tools, especially when facing challenges. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

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This page is a summary of: Strengthening or Restricting? Explaining the Covid-19 Pandemic’s Configurational Effects on Companies’ Sustainability Strategies and Practices, Business & Society, November 2022, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/00076503221134100.
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