Development of Small and Medium Enterprises during Covid-19 Period: The Role of Literacy, Attitude and Productive Economic Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the model of developing SMEs in the socio-economically unpredictable crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work from home and all activities are carried out online, the implementation of Social Restrictions has an impact on the economic crisis. Many SMEs survive or close their businesses, on the other hand, new entrepreneurs emerge. Economic literacy (EC), digital literacy (DLT), entrepreneurial attitude (EAT), productive economic behavior (PEB), and entrepreneurial business development (EBD) were analyzed as research models with a survey to obtain the latest field data, analyzed by exploratory factor analysis and AMOS confirmatory factor analysis 25. The theory of planned behavior from Ajzen was developed as a predictor behavior model for SMEs in developing businesses. Quantitative research with an entrepreneurial population in garment SMEs, a total of 203 entrepreneurs who have an online production and sales business as a sample. This study succeeded in testing 6 of the proposed hypotheses and one hypothesis was rejected. The model results have met the suitability criteria, that the development of SMEs based on high economic literacy skills will increase good entrepreneurial attitudes so that productive economic behavior is formed which will ultimately increase the ability of SMEs to survive, grow and develop during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. For further researchers to develop research on a wider sample area as well as other potential factors to develop SMEs such as entrepreneurial skills.

Received: 17 April 2022 / Accepted: 16 August 2022 / Published: 2 September 2022