ผลกระทบและการปรับตัวจากการระบาดของโควิด 19 ของธุรกิจห้องเช่าในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่

Abstract

The purpose of this independent study was to study the impacts on operations and adaptation of room rental business in Chiang Mai Province. By analyzing the external environment that affects the business by using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the business. And analyzed the internal business using the Business Management Concept, the Key Success Factors Concept and the Adaptation of Entrepreneur Concept. Then analyzed the consistency of all 7 aspects, including the assistant from government and relevant organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary data was collected by in-depth interviews with 15 entrepreneurs in room rental business in Chiang Mai Province which had 10-30 rooms for rent and partially furnished. They were small and medium-sized enterprises and had survived the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was used for analysis and presentation of this study. The study found that most entrepreneurs had 1-10 years of experience in business. The nature of business was monthly rental rooms and the business size was small enterprise. The business structure was a sole proprietorship business. Mostly were family members helping to operate the business. There was a division of responsibilities according to the expertise of each member. Some types of work would have to use professional from outside to handle. The operational strategies of each entrepreneur were different. Including setting variety goals for businesses and leadership style. Most entrepreneurs thought that they should focus on being strict and decisive in some matters that affect tenants as a whole. The working system includes simple accounting in a book or through a computer program and some entrepreneurs don't have an accounting system at all. They learnt and developed themselves through online channels, observations and asking experts. There were plans to allocate people to suit the amount of work. Always communicate to ensure if they acknowledge the problem and find the solution together. Before the COVID 19 pandemic, room rental business was not affected compared to the time after the pandemic. The external environment factor that affects business the most was the economic factor. It was caused by the tenants asking for a waiver of rent payment because they were being reduced working hours which decreases the revenue of the business. The factors within the business that had the greatest impact were the human resource factor. Because the business was operated by one person, if that person unable to work, there would be no replacement. Business strengths such as being friendly. Business weaknesses such as limited parking space. Opportunities that support businesses, such as government assistance in tax deductions. This allows entrepreneurs to use the funds to renovate and take care of the rental rooms. Threats to business, such as the increasing number of new competitors, giving tenants more options to choose. The key factors for a successful business from an entrepreneur's point of view were providing impressive service to tenants. The location of the rental room was convenient and having a long experience in taking care of room rental. During the pandemic, entrepreneurs were affected by the contraction of the domestic economy and the rising cost of living, issuing infection control measure that affected employment which causing tenants to increased daily expenses. Some had lost their jobs. As a result, the number of rented rooms decreases and affects the income of the business. In addition, the impact of inflation causes businesses to bear increased operating costs which entrepreneurs had to adapted by adding online payment method and marketing more through online channels, keeping the remaining tenants, reducing unnecessary expenses and stricter in spending. Took out the reserved funds to enhance liquidity into business. Represent and coordinated with local authorities. Strict in cleanliness and screen new tenants carefully. Taking a good care and facilitate the infected tenants. Keeping up on the information about various government measures and notify tenants. To support and made the impression. Entrepreneurs need helps and supports from the government and relevant agencies in the matter of extending the period for tax deductions measures. Issue measures to help with the increased of utility bills, Grants and Financial Assistance. Support the equipment for disease prevention thoroughly and should have a policy specifically for the rental business.