Factors Affecting Street Vendors’ Motivation in Operating Business

Amidst COVID 19- Pandemic

FB1-G12-05-ABM

Anay, Mary Rose B.

Bagares, Kristene D. Montecillo, Angel Mae A.

Members

Baconga, Ilah Faith A.

Baliquig, Ace Angievel B.

Cena, Marjorie C.

Dal, Christine Mae H.

Gorit, Cherie Jane C.

Gumahin, Sharmaine M.

Jaspe, Regine S.

Laylay, Honey Jane S.

Luconan, Joylieth S.

Mendoza, Hanz Louie R..

Monterona, Mikhaela A.

Naguita, Mark Francis P.

Obar, Johanah Mae A.

Ovalo, Lexis John B.

Pacursa, Karla Joy L.

Portuguez, Richard F.

Quieta, Rosslyn Jhoy S.

 Thursday and Saturday

10:30am-12 nn

October 14, 2022

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background Information of the Study

The COVID-19 pandemic, a transmissible disease, prompted a nationwide lockdown. It was in March

2020 when the Philippine government first declared a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of

the corona virus. Many businesses have been forced to close; many employees have lost their jobs;

and one of those affected are the street vendors. Street vendor is someone who sells goods to the

general public without having a permanent built-up structure from which to do so. Street food refers to

prepared foods and beverages that are sold by a vendor on the sidewalk or in other public settings

like marketplaces or fairs, Street foods are part of community life which has become part of the

dietary niche of low-income population (Allen, L. & Prentice A., 2005). The street food trade has three

characteristics: it is cheap, convenient, and easy to access throughout cities; and it is served in vans

or kiosks that are typically located on commercial streets and at festivals (Bellia et al., 2016). Street

vendors are a relevant topic during the pandemic because their exposure puts them at a higher risk

of corona virus infection. According to Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing

(WIEGO 2012), street vendors sell goods and provide services in broadly defined public spaces such

as open-air areas, transportation interchanges, and construction sites. As a result, because they work

in public (and often crowded) places, they may be more vulnerable to the virus. And because of a

nationwide lockdown due to a virus, some people lose their motivation, have anxiety, and worse,

depression, because there’s no work, no one allowed to go outside, including the street vendors.

Motivation is defined as the reason why you are doing something or the level of desire you have to do
something. (Melissa, 2021) stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, it is not uncommon to feel a

lack of motivation brought on by things like quarantine, isolation, and prolonged trauma.

Filipinos really love to eat street foods because, aside from being convenient, it is less expensive,

saves time, and eliminates the need to buy food and prepare meals. According to Steven (2011),

there is a large percentage of the population that is patronizing street foods. Even before the

pandemic, there were many scattered street vendors in the Philippines, especially in schools because

most of their customers were students. But the unexpected virus that is highly contagious did come.

According to ReliefWeb (2021), by the end of March 2020, all public schools, which support 25 million

students, will be closed due to COVID-19. So many street vendors lost customers, especially the

street vendors in PHINMA COC Oak St. The combined sales of street stalls or kiosks in the

Philippines reached approximately 1.22 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, reflecting a significant decline

from the previous year (Statista, 2022). The decrease was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic,

which resulted in heightened social distancing measures. The spread of the infectious virus has had

a big impact on them because their business has been affected and it has become sluggish. What is

worse is that, weeks after the school closure, the government implemented the Enhance Community

Quarantine (ECQ) to prevent the spread of the infectious disease. In response to the pandemic, most

governments Agreed to close off their frontiers, attempting to stop Spreading the virus and expecting

to avoid havingtoo Many infected people. This policy was also protecting the health system from

collapse while trying to save Many human lives. These and other emergency measures are guided by

the limitations set forth in the Constitution (Article VI, Section 23) and relevant international law. On

March 25, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 11469—also known as the “Bayanihan

(United Efforts) to Heal As One Act.” Since the quarantine restrictions were implemented, their

motivation to sell every day may have been affected because they themselves might be infected by

the deadly virus. Currently, our economy is improving, but sadly, everything that is necessary to buy

has seen an increase in prices. We are now in a new normal. All face-to-face classes, all

workers/laborers, and establishments are back to normal already, and because of the new normal,

the street vendors are probably returning to selling street foods now even in the middle of this

pandemic.

The researcher conducted this study by aiming to provide information and knowledge with regards to

the chosen topic “Factors affecting Street Vendors’ Motivation in Operating Business Amidst COVID-
19 Pandemic” from the respondents’ (street vendors’) feedback. The researchers believed that this

study was needed because the importance of this research is to determine how the street vendors

handle their business in the middle of a pandemic, the factors that affect their motivation, and

whether the street vendors are motivated during the pandemic or not. The result of this study will be

useful not only for educational but also for real-life aspects.

Conceptual Framework

Operating a business during a pandemic is difficult. Street vendors are more prone to bacteria yet

still continue selling foods for their own survival. Selling foods in the street is their main source of

income. Amidst the pandemic, they did not stop selling foods in the street. Lack of customers,

following strict protocols, strict requirements from IATF should be followed, and most of the street

vendors are affected by this change. Lack of customers, dropping demand for street foods, and

customers losing their jobs affect the income of street vendors during the pandemic. A shortage of

customers means a shortage of income and they will not be able to meet their everyday expenses,

which affect their lives and their businesses.

Independent VariablesDependent Variables

Figure1. Schematic Diagram of Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem

The researchers are interested about the Factors Affecting Street Vendors’ Motivation in Operating

Business Amidst COVID 19- Pandemic. The researchers are determined to answer the following

questions:

1. Are the street vendors motivated to sell during the pandemic? If so, then what makes the street

vendors motivated? If not, then why?

2. What are the factors that can affect the street vendors’ motivation in operating their business

amidst COVID 19- Pandemic?

By the reason of, the researchers want to know the factors affecting the street vendors’ behavior in

terms of facing the COVID- 19 Pandemic. In behalf of that, we’re also seeking a facts about their

motivation in vending, even though they already estimated the sales revenue or rather the sales that

they will receive.

Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no connection between the motivation of street vendors and COVID 19- Pandemic.

Significance of the Study

The sole purpose of this study is to find and know what the ways and strategies of the street

vendors are. To keep them motivated and continue their business operations amidst this pandemic

crisis. The result of this study could be helpful to the street vendors who are seeking ways to keep

selling in the midst of a pandemic. For the street vendors who are struggling to earn a profit.
For street vendors, this study helps them gather information to continue selling in the midst of a

pandemic. This can help them to keep selling when this kind of situation happens again.

For civilians, it can help them to save money when they have a snack or lunch that helps street

vendors to earn profit, and it also helps them to gather ideas on what can be done if they want to do

business in the middle of a pandemic.

For students, It will help them to learn how to earn money. Students are creative and active from a

young age they can think of a small business to start with- in the near future.

For the future researcher, this study will give them ideas and inspiration that can help them achieve

their research. This contains useful data that can be used in their study.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research is focused mainly on the factors affecting street vendors’ motivation in operating a

business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will be conducted in Carmen, Oak street that is

scheduled to be done in the first semester of the school year 2022-2023. The purpose of this

research is to identify the factors affecting street vendors’ motivation in operating a business amidst

the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying these factors allows other street vendors to be aware of how

they are going to run their business regarding their source of motivation.

This study only aims to know the factors affecting street vendors’ motivation in operating a

business amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study would be done through interviews of the chosen

25 street vendors as a survey and reference. With their strategy, the researchers will be able to know

the factors affecting street vendors’ motivation.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of this research, the following terms are defined according to how they

are used in the study.

AMIDST- in the middle of or during.

BEVERAGES- refers to the drinks that the street vendors sell to the consumers.

DISPROPORTIONATELY- to order not to do or use or to be done or use.

HEIGHTENED- to increase or make something increase, especially an emotion or effect.

PROMPTED- to assist by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten.

SCATTERED- It occurrs to the various locations rather than all together.

SEEKING- Attempt to find something to discover or questioning other people.

SLUGGISH- Not acting or working with full energy.

TRANSMISSIBLE- Able to be passed on from one person or organism to another.

VULNERABLE- Able to be easily physically or mentally hurt, influenced, or attacked.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter includes the ideas, finished thesis, generalizations or conclusions, methodologies, and

other data that are related to the present study. The materials that are included in this chapter help in

familiarizing information that are relevant and similar to the present study.

Related Literature

Foreign

According to Mohammad NurUllag 2021, he stated that Covid-19 was merely lock down the economic

status of different country and as a result, the government decided to shut down all sectors of
businesses including the street vending and they felt severe distress regarding the vendor’s livelihood.

The study found out that lock down is a significant burden for street vendors, leaving them with no

other choice for earning money, they expend their savings, borrow money from other, take out loans

and getting hopeful to the government with adequate financial assistance so that the vendors can

survive during lockdown and to be able to continue their business just to provide the essential needs

for their families.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed our everyday routine. COVID-19 pandemic has

disrupted and even stopped the majority of street vendors’ business operations (Kaur et al., 2020).

The livelihoods of the majority of street vendors have been seriously harmed. Due to the lockdown,

street vendors were unable to earn money (Shahedul, 2020). Many street vendors were forced to

close their businesses, their financial stability and resulting in income losses, which exacerbated their

debts as they struggled to meet basic needs.

According to Mohammad NurUllag 2021, he stated that Covid-19 was merely bang down

the economic status of different country and as a result, the government decided to shut down all

sectors of businesses including the street vending and they felt severe distress regarding the vendor’s

livelihood. The study found out that lock down is a significant burden for street vendors, leaving them

with no other choice for earning money, they expend their savings, borrow money from other, take out

loans and getting hopeful to the government with adequate financial assistance so that the vendors

can survive during lockdown and to be able to continue their business just to provide the essential

needs for their families.

Related Studies

Foreign

The study “Livelihood of street vendors in Yogyakarta amidst COVID 19 pandemic” ( Center for

Population and Policy Studies, UniversitasGadjahMada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia ) shows the

impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the lives and business of the street vendors in Yogyakarta,

Indonesia. According to this study, the street vendors are thinking and doing some new strategies to

earn more money during the pandemic since most of the people are staying at home to avoid the
much more spreading of the virus. The government policies related to social distancing and working

from home (WFH) have weakened Indonesian economic activities and had an Impact on all sectors,

one of them is street vendors. The results of their study shown that the before and during pandemic

the income of the street vendors are affected and that’s why the street vendors are doing new

marketing strategies.

This research study “livelihood of street vendors during Covid 19 lockdown in manarashta

India” The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 and lockdown on the

livelihood of street vendors in Maharashtra, one of India’s most severely affected states. From the

16th of May to the 1st of June 2020, 20 street vendors who sold perishable goods for a living were

interviewed over the phone. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis after the interviews were

transcribed. The study sample included twelve food vendors and eight fruit and vegetable vendors.

The average age of food vendors was 36.91 years, the average number of years worked was 12.25,

the average education level was 7.83, and the average household size was 5.25. (Table 1). Ten of the

food vendors were men, and two were women. The majority of food vendors are from Vidarbha,

followed by Khandesh and Western Maharashtra. Findings of the study show that lockdown affected

street vendors multidimensionally. Street vendors ‬had to stop working and many had to change their

profession to selling fruits and vegetables within a limited time ‬zone with greater livelihood challenges

and financial hardships‬.

Based on the study “livelihood of street vendors during covid19 lockdown in Bangladesh”

(Department of public administration, Bangladesh University of professional (BPU) Mirpur

cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh ) demonstrates how the COVID 19 pandemic has affected the

livelihoods and businesses of Bangladesh’s. According to this study, that when

street vendors leave them with no other option for making money during the lockdown, people spend

their savings, borrow money from others, take out loans, sell their home furnishings, and get money

from their parents. This study, one of the first to look into how a lockdown affects the livelihood of

street sellers in Bangladesh. The result of their study will assist administrations, government

departments, and informal labor associations in taking time-sensitive and affective steps to ensure

the safety of Bangladesh’s street vendors during covid19 pandemic.

We gather this data and studies that connects with our study to provide more accurate data

and to defend our study with there statements that helps our study to be understood well. These other
studies are not specifically same with our study but for some statements and reasons are similar to

ours. Similarities are the things that affects the street vendors, street vendors, and motivation of

street vendors. Their differences are these study are not about motivation but about the factors and

impacts of COVID 19 pandemic in the business of street vendors. The data will help our paper to be

more specific and to know whether there is an effect in the lives and motivation of the street vendors

during pandemic.

Theoretical Framework

According to Maslow’s theory, a satisfied need is not a strong motivator, but an unmet need is. As

per Marlow’s hierarchy of needs, one’s desire to gain new knowledge or master new abilities is a

strong motivator. This study was based on the theory of Abraham Maslow, Maslow’s motivation

theory (1940). This theory is stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that

some needs take precedence over others. According to the theory physical survival is our most

fundamental need, and it will always drive our behavior in the beginning.

What drives us after that level has been reached is the subsequent level up, and so on.

According to the theory people are motivated to do things to reach a goal if they believe in the worth

of that goal. Equity theory as it relates to the motivations of street vendors in operating their

business amidst covid19-pandemic in Oak street Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Emphasizes the

motivations during pandemic. This theory provides information that supports our research .

Research Questions

Directions: Put a check () mark on the box on which you think is the best answer.
 QUESTIONS YES NO MAYBE

1. Are there times that you

feel unmotivated and
decided to stop your
business?

1. Did your income affect your

motivation?

1. Is your family one of your

motivations to operate your
business even though we
are in the middle of a
pandemic?

1. Is the lack of customer due

to the pandemic the reason
why you are not motivated
to sell?

1. Does COVID 19 affect your

business negatively?

REFERENCES

Allen, L. & Prentice, A., (2005). Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition 2nd Edition. Academic Press.

Bellia, C., Pilato, M. and Seraphin, H. (2016), “Street food and food safety: a driver for tourism?”,

Calitatea, Vol. 17 No. S1, pp. 20-27.

Melissa. (2021). Sparking and maintaining motivation.

Rane, S., (2011). Street Vended Food in Developing World: Hazard Analyses.

ReliefWeb. Fighting Against a World Without Education. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/fighting-

against-world-without-education

Statista. Street stalls or kiosks sales in the Philippines 2015-2021.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1288445/philippines-street-stalls-or-kiosks-sales/

Joko, A., & Abdul, A. (2021). Livelihood of street vendors in Yogyakarta amidst the COVID-19

pandemic. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 325, p. 06012).

Hossain, M. K., & Hossain, A. (2012). Factors affecting employee’s motivation in the fast food

industry: The case of KFC UK Ltd. Research Journal of Economics, business and ICT, 5.

Ullah, M. N. (2021). Livelihood of Street Vendors During Covid-19 Lockdown in Bangladesh:

Earnings Break off Expenses Remain. Indonesian Journal of Social Research (IJSR), 3(3), 160-170.