Psychological capital and emotions on “surviving” or “thriving” during uncertainty: Evidence from women entrepreneurs

• Published in: Journal of small business management Vol. 62; no. 5; pp. 2670 - 2706
• Main Authors: Liyanagamage, Nilupulee, Glavas, Charmaine, Kodagoda, Thilakshi, Schuster, Lisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Milwaukee Taylor & Francis Ltd 02.09.2024
• Subjects: Developing countries; Emotions; Entrepreneurs; Entrepreneurship; LDCs; Negative emotions; Occupational psychology; Optimism; Psychological aspects; Resilience; Resilience (Psychology); Self-efficacy; Social structure; Uncertainty; Women; Women owned businesses
• ISSN: 0047-2778; 1540-627X
• DOI: 10.1080/00472778.2023.2250408

While uncertainty has long been a subject of scholarly interest, research has largely neglected the responses of women entrepreneurs during times of uncertainty. Women entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected by uncertainty and subject to unique challenges which may be amplified in developing countries bound by culture and patriarchal social structures. Drawing on extent research showing the importance of psychological capital (that is self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience) to entrepreneurial efforts, this study is the first to examine the intersection of women entrepreneurs’ psychological capital and their experience of emotions, particularly in a context of uncertainty. Interviews with 40 women entrepreneurs from a small-scale flower industry in Sri Lanka were conducted and thematically analyzed to examine why some women entrepreneurs are not only able to survive, but also thrive during uncertainty. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between women entrepreneurs’ psychological capital, positive and negative emotions, and task orientation.