Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic's human challenges: A new reality search for societally engaged international business perspectives
ISSN: 0258-0543
Article publication date: 28 July 2021
Issue publication date: 10 August 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
This viewpoint paper examines COVID-19's impact in international business attitudes and practices, namely: revisiting and intensifying power imbalances, shifts to greater national protectionism, and company crisis management strategies during the pandemic. Links between COVID-19, trade, poverty, and human rights are also considered. The authors report that COVID-19 has aggressively intensified pre-existing social trends like the concentration of wealth and power, and the dominance of large businesses and big tech. The devastation of economies in developing countries has revealed how dependent they are on trade with wealthier countries and multinational companies, who can sever their loyalty mercilessly out of self-interest.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Keywords
Citation
(2021), "Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic's human challenges: A new reality search for societally engaged international business perspectives", Strategic Direction, Vol. 37 No. 7, pp. 18-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-06-2021-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited