Does religiosity matter for entrepreneurs’ psychological well-being in conflict areas? Insights from Palestine and Libya
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 20 February 2024
Issue publication date: 23 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Informed by the concept of well-being in Islam and the eudaimonic view of psychological well-being (PWB), and drawing on resilience theory, this study aims to understand (1) the implications of residing in conflict areas for entrepreneurs’ PWB, (2) the barriers facing entrepreneurs in these areas and (3) the implications of their religiosity for their PWB.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing an interpretative qualitative method, this study employed 22 entrepreneurs residing in conflict areas (Palestine and Libya). Thematic analysis was used to explore the participants’ experiences and insights.
Findings
The findings show that living in conflict areas enhances certain components of entrepreneurs’ PWB, such as self-acceptance and having a purpose in life and diminishes other components of their PWB, including environmental mastery, personal growth, the presence of autonomy and positive relations with others. Additionally, the findings suggest that religiosity, viewed through an Islamic lens, positively contributes to entrepreneurs’ PWB and identify societal (macro level) barriers faced by entrepreneurs in these areas.
Originality/value
The study is theoretically and contextually relevant and offers novel insights into the interplay between religion and well-being in conflict areas. It presents a reinvigorated awareness, opens specific research directions and permits the contextual applicability and possible extension of resilience theory.
Keywords
Citation
Koburtay, T. and Alqhaiwi, Z. (2024), "Does religiosity matter for entrepreneurs’ psychological well-being in conflict areas? Insights from Palestine and Libya", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 1122-1148. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-04-2023-0365
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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