ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND HR STRATEGIES OF SMES IN THE UKRAINIAN AND HUNGARIAN ECONOMIES

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32782/inclusive_economics.12-30

Keywords:

small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), HRM, crisis management, financial sustainability, Hungary, Ukraine

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important contributors to the economies of Hungary and Ukraine, particularly in trade and tourism. During 2019–2025, SMEs experienced major challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, the energy crisis, and the Russian-Ukrainian War. This study compares the financial performance and human resource management (HRM) practices of Hungarian and Ukrainian SMEs in a turbulent environment. Based on literature review and comparative analysis, the findings indicate that financial stability, liquidity management, and effective HRM practices are essential for resilience and competitiveness. Hungarian SMEs benefited from a more stable institutional environment, whereas Ukrainian SMEs faced wartime disruptions and higher uncertainty.

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Published

2026-06-29