GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AS A MODERATOR IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COVID-19 CONTAINMENT MEASURES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING SMES IN GHANA

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating role of government intervention in the relationship between COVID-19 containment measures and the organizational performance of beverage manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Accra, Ghana. This study was anchored on Stakeholder Theory (ST). Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 500 SME leaders, the study employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationships. The results reveal a statistically significant positive impact of containment measures on the performance of beverage manufacturing SMEs in Accra, Ghana. Furthermore, government intervention significantly moderates this relationship, enhancing the effectiveness of COVID-19 containment strategies in maintaining operational performance. These findings suggest that government support is crucial in mitigating the adverse economic effects of pandemics on SMEs. The study offers practical implications for policy formulation, highlighting the need for responsive and well-targeted government assistance during public health crises.