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Navigating hardships: Resilience-building coping strategies and actionable techniques for entrepreneurs

Author

Listed:
  • Simarasl, Nastaran
  • Tabesh, Pooya
  • Jessri, Mahshid

Abstract

Hardships are an inevitable part of entrepreneurial experiences. Successful entrepreneurs identify hardships early on and craft effective strategies to overcome them. While previous work in practitioner-oriented and academic outlets has emphasized the significance of resilience in overcoming hardships, entrepreneurs are left with minimal guidance on cultivating coping strategies that build resilience in response to different types of hardships. In this article, we first provide a typology of hardships that entrepreneurs face. Then, by grounding our work in the resilience literature, we offer a typology of coping strategies. Finally, we offer a list of actionable recommendations by introducing a toolbox of coping techniques entrepreneurs can use to effectively manage different hardships. Our work contributes to a more nuanced understanding of hardships in entrepreneurship research and offers practical guidance on how entrepreneurs can build resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Simarasl, Nastaran & Tabesh, Pooya & Jessri, Mahshid, 2025. "Navigating hardships: Resilience-building coping strategies and actionable techniques for entrepreneurs," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 68(5), pages 589-600.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:68:y:2025:i:5:p:589-600
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2024.07.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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