Key sur(VIR)val factors in water supply companies: some lessons from Poland

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the outcomes of research on managerial decisions that were made as a first reaction to the economic crisis caused by the SARS-Cov-19 virus (the coronacrisis). The research was carried out among 116 companies from the water supply sector operating in Poland that includes water supply and sewage. The results indicate which elements were perceived by managers as key factors for survival and further functioning. It is clear that the most frequent managerial decisions made were reducing investments and sending employees for home office work, as well as prolonging the payment deadlines. Interestingly, investment reductions were accompanied by sustaining the R&D expenses, as the researched organisations desired to stay competitive and innovative right after the crisis. Only a few of the water supply companies decided to make workers redundant, as the majority declared the intent to protect the workforce, e.g. by sending employees on leave. The research has also shown that the companies approached the coronacrisis rather methodologically and systematically, which indicates a good level of managerial decision-making under pressure, overall enterprise preparedness for crisis situations, as well as staff involvement. Based on our research, we offer some recommendations concerning how the water supply sector organisations can prepare for similar crises in the future. Our research indicates that the decisions made had the following goals in mind protecting workforce and sustaining cash flow, as well as securing competitive position after the crisis. Our research also focuses on the necessary decisions to be made in water supply companies before the next crises.