EFFECTS OF PANDEMICS ON THE SOCIAL CLIMATE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN BENIN

Abstract

This research aims to determine the effects of pandemics on the social climate in targeted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Benin. The quantitative data used were collected from 2004 employees and 16 managers of the targeted SMEs. These data are analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, descriptive statistics and multiple correspondence analysis. Our findings revealed that that respecting the wearing of masks during a pandemic constitutes an obstacle to inclusive communication in SMEs. In addition, these results also illustrated that the application of social distancing measures during a pandemic explains the change in professional lifestyle habits which is at the origin of the disruption of the social climate within SMEs. Finally, the stress resulting from the various measures applied was a major handicap to the establishment of a friendly social climate in SMEs.