The role of social capital in small business disaster recovery. A multiple case study of Christchurch and Kaikoura businesses

Michael Paul Bethany

University of Canterbury, PhD thesis

Abstract

According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (2005), between 1994 and 2003 there have been 307 disasters each year culminating in USD $55 billion in economic damages and 53,678 deaths per annum; on average. Although the field of disaster research has advanced considerably since the 1960’s, scholarship has not sufficiently examined post-disaster recovery of small-to-medium-sized enterprises. Significant contributions made by small-to-medium-sized enterprises in communities wherein they operate include the manufacture, distribution and/ or sales of products and/ or services; employment opportunities; and the generation of municipal tax revenue. Hence, post-disaster recovery and survival for small-to-medium-sized enterprises is paramount for people and communities.  Continue reading …