The Business Continuity Management of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises: Perspectives from the Countryside

Abstract

Business continuity management is a concern not only for large businesses, but also for micro, small and medium enterprises.  Considering the vulnerability of the said sector, especially during the prevalence of certain calamities, which are very common in countries along the Pacific rim, business continuity is certainly relevant.  The study aimed at determining the practice of business continuity management among MSMEs in a countryside town in the Philippines where natural calamities like typhoons are prevalent.  A total of 104 respondents were included in the study using a patterned survey questionnaire. The respondents were asked of their business profile, the extent to which they are affected by calamities, their business continuity management through disaster risk assessment, planning, and communication and training.  Results of the study revealed that MSMEs in the locality were mostly affected by calamities, with tropical cyclones and floods as the most prevalent, but in terms of frequency, most were affected sometimes only.  Business continuity management is practiced, albeit not at the highest level, and there are identified needs of MSMEs in relation to business continuity.  Most prevalent needs identifies are special rates and tax exemptions for business with business continuity plans, as well as special rates for insurance.  Also identified is the provision of a manual/guideline or standards relative to this.