Building entrepreneurial resilience: the impact of macro, micro and meso factors

Abstract

Purpose Recent global events, such as geopolitical conflicts, global economic uncertainty and post-pandemic disruption, have made markets more volatile than ever, jeopardising firm survival. While these conditions significantly challenge organisations of all sizes, the impact is often exacerbated for entrepreneurs, who typically lack the slack resources and capabilities to sustain operations. Drawing from the eclectic theory of entrepreneurship, this study aims to examine the impact of macro (market uncertainty), meso (social responsibility engagement) and micro (inner spirituality) on firms’ resilience. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the research questions, this study adopted a quantitative online survey research design as the primary data collection tool. The sampling strategy combined convenience sampling with a snowball sampling technique to effectively reach entrepreneurs based primarily in Turkey and the USA. After applying the inclusion criteria, a final sample of 130 eligible respondents was retained for analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the model’s fit and examine the proposed relationships within the data. Findings The study found that entrepreneurs who actively engage in social responsibility and draw on their spirituality tend to have more resilient businesses. Interestingly, the level of market uncertainty, which is a macro construct itself, did not directly affect firm resilience, suggesting that at the micro and meso levels, entrepreneurs developed coping mechanisms that proved crucial in helping their businesses withstand challenges. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution by integrating the eclectic theory to offer a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurs build resilience. Rather than focusing solely on macro (contextual) drivers of resilience, the paper highlights the influence of meso factors, such as outward social responsibility practices, and micro factors, such as inner spirituality, in navigating crises. The cross-cultural sample used in this study further enriches the discussion, providing actionable insights for policymakers and business leaders seeking to foster resilience across diverse economic landscapes.