Entrepreneurship in the Shadow of Crisis: Strategies and Experiences of Unforeseen Actions in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Industrial Management (Entrepreneurship), Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the purpose of identifying the strategies and superior experiences of entrepreneurial actions in facing the crisis in small and medium-sized enterprises in Mazandaran province. This study was applied in terms of purpose and mixed in terms of data collection method. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 successful and experienced entrepreneurs who had a history of managing in crisis situations and analyzed using thematic analysis based on the Brown and Clark model. Sampling was carried out using the purposive snowball method until theoretical saturation was achieved. The statistical population of this study includes entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized enterprises in Mazandaran province, with a sample size of 10 times the number of questionnaire questions; therefore, in the quantitative part, 320 entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized businesses were selected using stratified random sampling with proportional assignment and completed a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the research tool were confirmed by experts and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (confirmatory factor analysis) in Smart PLS4 software. The research findings showed that five main strategies, including rapid business model change, product or service innovation, bold and risky decision-making, utilizing social networks and supports, and human resource leadership and management, played the greatest role in the continuity and success of the studied firms during crises. The results of all paths were significant and the model fit indices were assessed as strong. It was also determined that a flexible business model and utilizing support networks are the most influential factors in successfully overcoming the crisis. The present study, while emphasizing innovation and courageous decisions, explains the importance of human resource leadership and reliance on network support in crisis situations and provides recommendations for enhancing the resilience of entrepreneurs in the region.

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References

References
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History

  • Receive Date: 19 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 September 2025

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