Impacto da instabilidade política na sustentabilidade e no funcionamento das pequenas e médias empresas em Moçambique: caso da Unicosta-Tete

Abstract

This research analyzed the impacts of political instability on organizational sustainability, operational performance, and institutional resilience, focusing on UNICOSTA. To this end, two complementary questionnaires were applied: one directed at managers and the other at employees, allowing for an understanding of multiple internal perspectives on the phenomenon. The results revealed that political instability directly and profoundly affects the organization, influencing strategic, financial, environmental, communicational, and human dimensions. Managers recognized that external factors, such as governmental instability, economic fragility, and logistical volatility, strongly condition financial and institutional sustainability. For data collection, a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) was used, through the application of questionnaires to managers and employees of UNICOSTA. The analysis showed significant difficulties in strategic planning, increased operational costs, and weaknesses in the supply chain. In addition, internal vulnerabilities were identified, such as excessive dependence on external resources, centralization of decisions, and gaps in internal communication. In turn, the employees showed similar perceptions: they reported job insecurity, frequent production delays, difficulties accessing essential materials, and increased tensions in the organizational climate. The responses indicate that internal communication does not always keep pace with the demands of an unstable context, contributing to anxiety, stress, and productivity losses. The majority also recognizes that the organization demonstrates adaptability, although limited and not systematized. The convergence of data from the two groups demonstrates that the institution needs to strengthen its resilience. Among the priority practices are: improving internal communication, diversifying suppliers, creating contingency plans, continuous training, psychosocial support, and consolidating policies of social and environmental responsibility. In short, the research shows that political instability does not act only externally, but reconfigures internal processes, work relationships, and organizational results, requiring an integrated strategic approach that strengthens institutional sustainability and prepares the organization to face future scenarios of uncertainty