Dr Gabrielle Jess

Gabrielle’s research explores small business owner’s decision making during such events in Southeast Queensland alongside the affordances provided by public and non-profit entities to sustain business continuity. Using interview data of business owners’ and key informants’ from urban, peri-urban and rural communities, this study catalogued their decisions, decision processes and affordances organised around six business capitals. As predicted by the recognition primed decision theory, decisions were quick yet indicated both complexities and competencies of business owners. Fast decisions and political affordances support business owners’ survival during high consequence, disruptive events.

Thesis: Minding my own business: Small business owners’ decision making during a response to a natural disaster in southeast Queensland, Australia