Work

Crisis management in the pharmaceutical industry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the vulnerabilities of the pharmaceutical industry and its critical role in functioning healthcare systems, no previous crisis management theory–based empirical studies focusing on this field during the COVID-19 pandemic has been published. The present study aimed to fill this gap and identify areas for development to improve future crisis preparedness. Organisational crisis management process models provided a theoretical framework. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted during the second wave of the pandemic (October–November 2020). This online survey was developed based on the crisis management process models and sent to managing directors working in the pharmaceutical and wholesale companies (n = 73) in Finland. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and open-field responses were analysed qualitatively using deductive content analysis. Nine semi-structured interviews with industry leaders and managers conducted in March–May 2021 were utilised in data triangulation. Twenty leaders responded to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 27%. The interviews revealed that crisis preparedness improved concurrently during the pandemic due to increased risk perception, updated preparedness plans and operational changes. Crisis decision-making was made via teams or shared efforts between key persons. Anticipation of and responses to increased demand and stocking, coordination and collaboration among pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders were identified as key challenges. The study extended crisis management process models to the pharmaceutical industry context and advanced this research field by drawing on a novel approach for data collection utilising process models for survey development. Practical implications for improving future preparedness were suggested.

Source: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105566

Authors: S. Latonen, S. Pussila, H. Seeck, M. Airaksinen, A.M. Juppo

Institutions: University of Helsinki, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, London School of Economics and Political Science

Language: English

Topic: Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200