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An institutional perspective on entrepreneurship in a conflict environment: Evidence from Pakistan

Noor Muhammad (Department of Management Sciences, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi, Pakistan)
Farid Ullah (Department of Business and Finance, University of Chester, Chester, UK)
Lorraine Warren (School of Management , Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand)

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research

ISSN: 1355-2554

Article publication date: 1 August 2016

1275

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 purpose of this paper is to investigate 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 policymakers who need to know more about how to support ongoing businesses in difficult regions.

Social implications

Better understanding of the needs of small business may in time contribute to a better business climate in difficult 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

Citation

Muhammad, N., Ullah, F. and Warren, L. (2016), "An institutional perspective on entrepreneurship in a conflict environment: Evidence from Pakistan", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 698-717. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-04-2016-0112

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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