Conflict-induced entrepreneurial resilience, self-efficacy and the new social compact: a study of BoP microentrepreneurs in conflict zones

Abstract

While studies on micro-entrepreneurship at base of pyramid (BoP) are plenty, however, there is scant research on how conflicts induce entrepreneurial resilience, self-efficacy and help shape the social compact with fragile states in BoP conflict zones. Using the theoretical perspective of fragile states theory, this article uses the research context of ongoing violent conflict amidst terrorist activities in the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). This study uses a qualitative method to address its research objectives. Using data from in-depth interviews of 18 BoP micro-entrepreneurs in Indian state of J&K, three-level coding is done to unravel emergent themes. The findings suggest that conflict zones induce individual-level effects to strengthen entrepreneurial resilience, and self-efficacy, and shape the need for a new social compact with the fragile state. The proposed framework contributes to literature by explicating the transformational role of entrepreneurial resilience and self-efficacy in reshaping social compact in fragile states. The implications of the study include developing equitable and inclusive marketing systems at BoP conflict-inflicted zones. The study contributes to theory by showing how micro-entrepreneurship at BoP is affected due to impact of conflict, resulting in emergence of entrepreneurial resilience and self-efficacy, that shapes a new social compact.