Table 3.
Evaluation framework for this study.
| Criteria | Operational description | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Safety and health practices as well as wellbeing of suppliers (SI 1) | Companies need to focus on mental health, health monitoring and the safety of their workforce and suppliers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to diminish its impact. | B* |
| Corporate social responsibility initiatives (SI 2) | This means applying social and environmental initiatives. | W⁎⁎ |
| Improving the firm's social image (SI 3) | This means firms can enhance their social image by employing different social programs. | C1 |
| Knowledge sharing (SI 4) | Knowledge management about social distancing, personal hygiene and wearing masks in the workplace to lessen the spread of COVID-19. | C2 |
| Diversified portfolio of suppliers (SI 5) | Reducing the reliance on a limited number of suppliers during and after COVID-19 can diminish supply chains risks and threats. | C3 |
| Remote working conditions (SI 6) | This means helping employees and understanding the issues to help overcome problems with remote working during the pandemic. | C4 |
| Localization (SI 7) | Providing more employment opportunities for local people, and more reliance on the local knowledge and capacity. | C5 |
*best criterion, **worst criterion.