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An Institutional Perspective on Entrepreneurship in a Conflict Environment: Evidence from Pakistan
Muhammad, Noor Ullah, Farid Warren, Lorraine
Muhammad, Noor
Ullah, Farid
Warren, Lorraine
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Publication Date
2016-06-02
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Abstract
Purpose: In this paper, an institutional perspective is used to examine the different kinds of pressures on entrepreneurs manifest in a conflict environment. The study investigates how they respond to the conflict and establish legitimacy for their entrepreneurship in the challenging context of the north western areas of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a qualitative approach is taken based on semi-structured interviews from 16 different firms in the SWAT valley.
Findings
The entrepreneurs undertake different strategies towards dealing with conflict and establishing legitimacy. These strategies are identified and examined in relation to the interactions between entrepreneurial behaviour and institutional pressures.
Research limitations/implications
Qualitative research on a small sample inevitably presents a limitation on the generalisability of this work. Further research could employ quantitative methods to address this issue. One particular location is studied, so future research could be carried out in other countries or regions with similar problems.
Practical implications
The study may have value for policy makers who need to know more about how to support ongoing businesses in conflictual regions.
Social implications
Better understanding of the needs of small business may in time contribute to a better business climate in conflictual regions.
Originality/value
A new dimension is added to institutional theory through its application in the very uncertain environment between all out war and ongoing violence, identifying the possibility of weak agency for institutional change. Further, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurship in conflict environments.
Keywords: Conflict, institutions, SMEs, Pakistan, entrepreneur, legitimacy
Paper Type: Research paper
Citation
Muhammad, N., Ullah, F. & Warren, L. (2016). An institutional perspective on entrepreneurship in a conflict environment: Evidence from Pakistan. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 22(5), 698-717,
Publisher
Emerald
Journal
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
Research Unit
DOI
10.1108/IJEBR-04-2016-0112
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
en
Description
Series/Report no.
ISSN
1355-2554