Psychological resilience of entrepreneurs in conflict zones: A case of the Syrian civil war
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2025-07-03
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en
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This research explores the psychological resilience development process of entrepreneurs who operate in the Syrian civil war environment. The combination of necessity and adaptation has allowed entrepreneurial activities to continue despite ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and institutional breakdown. The study addresses the central research question: How do entrepreneurs operating in Syria develop psychological resilience with the influence of the Syrian civil war?
The research design employs inductive qualitative methods to analyse six interviews and questionnaires from Syrian entrepreneurs. The research analysis uses abductive coding which draws from existing resilience theory while remaining open to discover new insights.
The research identifies four main dimensions which include experiencing adversity, coping strategies, personal strengths and informal support systems. The entrepreneurs faced unreliable infrastructure, financial isolation, political repression, self doubt and emotional exhaustion. However, the entrepreneurs seem to develop psychological resilience by experiencing these hardships. Entrepreneurs used problem-focused coping strategies to improvise business solutions, manage scarce resources, and emotion-focused coping strategies which included faith, a relaxed mindset and certain daily habits. The entrepreneurs' responses received additional support from their personal strengths such as, commitment and perseverance, risk-taking, compassion, optimism and community-building. The study also demonstrates the importance of informal support systems, including family, friends and mentors, as key sources of emotional and practical support.
The thesis offers valuable contributions for programs focused on building resilience and policy interventions aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in conflict zones. This study provides essential insights into Syrian entrepreneurs' real-life experiences, enhancing the understanding of entrepreneurship and psychological resilience in extreme circumstances.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen