Entrepreneurship and resilience: a systematic literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465993261

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Resilience, Resilient behavior, Self-employment

Abstract

Purpose: To identify characteristics of the resilient behavior of self-employed entrepreneurs in contexts of uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted based on the PRISMA-ScR protocol, using articles published between 2020 and 2025 from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. After applying filters, removing duplicates, and screening, 49 studies were qualitatively analyzed and organized into thematic clusters using Vosviewer software.

Findings: Four dimensions of resilient behavior were identified: (1) intrapersonal resilience, related to emotions, attitudes, and beliefs; (2) strategies and proactiveness, associated with anticipating action and innovation; (3) coping with extreme adversities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and (4) connections, involving support networks and the use of technologies. The most recurrent characteristics include self-control, persistence, adaptability, positive attitude, faith, optimism, and seeking support, manifested in a combined and contextual manner.

Research limitations/implications: Scarcity of studies dedicated exclusively to self-employed entrepreneurs, suggesting the need for further qualitative research.

Practical implications: The findings can guide public policies and training programs that, in addition to technical skills, also foster socio-emotional and adaptive abilities.

Social implications: By highlighting the importance of resilience, the study contributes to initiatives that support the sustainability of self-employed businesses, strengthening their economic and social role.

Originality/value: Systematizes recent evidence on entrepreneurial resilience, detailing dimensions and strategies, and emphasizing the relevance of emotional and contextual aspects for survival and growth in uncertain environments.

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Author Biographies

Amanda Dadona, Universidade Nove de Julho

The author is a master’s student in Administration in the Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA) at Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil. Her research investigates how resilient behavior influences the confidence of self-employed entrepreneurs in high-uncertainty contexts. She has worked professionally as a photographer for nine years, with experience in projects in the services sector and the creative economy. Research interests: entrepreneurship, resilience, trust, and self-employment.

Vânia Maria Jorge Nassif, Universidade Nove de Julho

Full Professor of the Graduate Program in Administration (Master's and Doctorate) at Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE/SP), where she works as a professor, researcher, and leader of the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Business (IEN) research line. She holds a CNPq Research Productivity Fellowship (PQ2) and is Scientific Editor of the International Journal of Innovation (IJI). She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters (FFCLRP/USP). She holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Ribeirão Preto and a Doctorate in Administration from Mackenzie Presbyterian University. She holds a Postdoctoral degree in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Skills from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation São Paulo School of Administration (EASP/FGV) and a Professorship in Human Resources from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Economics, Administration, and Accounting (FEARP/USP). Visiting Researcher at Bradley University, Illinois, United States. She is a member of the Ethics Committee and the ITE (Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship) Division Committee of ANPAD (Brazilian Association of Researchers of the Environment and Development of Small Businesses), and is a member of the Advisory Board of the National Association for Studies in Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses (ANEGEPE). She is the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship theme at SEMEAD and Leader of the Female Entrepreneurship research line at ENANPAD, SINGEP, and EMPRAD. She has led research projects funded by FAPESP and serves as a project advisor for the main Brazilian funding agencies: FAPESP, CAPES, and CNPq. At PPGA/UNINOVE, she teaches Qualitative Research Methods (Master's and Doctoral) and Entrepreneurs and their Emotions. She is an ad-hoc reviewer for 30 scientific journals and national and international conferences, in addition to being the author of extensive academic output, including scientific articles, books, book chapters, e-books, and the organization of collective works. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship among minority groups, with a particular emphasis on female entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, and Black women. She conducts studies on entrepreneurial threats and failures, investigating the psychological, emotional, affective, and cognitive aspects of entrepreneurial behavior, as well as issues related to resilience in the business context.

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Published

2025-12-16

How to Cite

Souza, A. P. B. D. ., & Nassif, V. M. J. (2025). Entrepreneurship and resilience: a systematic literature review. Revista De Administração Da UFSM, 18(4), e6. https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465993261

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Vol. 18 No. 4 (2025): Oct-Dec

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Copyright (c) 2025 Amanda Dadona, Vânia Maria Jorge Nassif

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