This research expands the theoretical concept of human adjustment to floods established by Gilbert F. White and incorporates his adjustment concept to examine the range of adjustments in business operations adopted by Texas' natural and/or cultural resources sites during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed-methods study consisted of an online survey with a follow-up semi-structured phone interview. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the interview data was inductively coded for thematic analysis as well as quantitative and qualitative content analyses. Specifically, this study identifies the adjustment measures undertaken by these entities to maintain business operations while reducing the virus spread; analyses the direct and indirect factors influencing adjustment measures; examines new business opportunities that emerged from these adjustments; and evaluates whether the impact of COVID-19 on these entities varied in terms of entity characteristics. Findings indicate that cultural and/or natural resource sites implemented adjustments to maintain their fiscal stability and/or to protect human health; these serve as direct underlying motivating factors for these entities. To support these direct measures, indirect factors influenced the operations thus required adjustments such as staffing, volunteers, technology, funding, and donations. Additionally, new opportunities in business practices emerged while implementing these adjustments such as networking, maintenance, and virtual options. Across all entity types, virtual programs was a key adjustment addressing both fiscal and health concerns. From these adjustments, this study provides recommendations for cultural and/or natural resource sites to implement to improve resilience to future extreme events.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1987264 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Tamima, Salvesila |
| Contributors | Zavar, Elyse, Schumann, Ronald L., Lavy, Brendan L. |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Tamima, Salvesila, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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