“Surviving” and “thriving” during uncertainty: Uncovering the stories of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka

Social-cultural, health, and economic disruption over the last decade—including that caused by terrorism, the global financial crisis, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic—has heightened uncertainty, leading to changes in the economic landscape and ultimately, the way business is conducted. While there is a wealth of academic research examining uncertainty, studies that purposefully examine the experiences of women entrepreneurs—who are disproportionately affected by uncertainty—during such times are needed. A qualitative research study examined the psychological capacities (that is, self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience) and emotional experiences of women entrepreneurs from a small-scale flower industry in Sri Lanka before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between women entrepreneurs’ psychological capital, positive and negative emotions, and their motivational drive to survive or thrive. Practical recommendations include (a) initiating development programs aimed at enhancing the overall competitiveness and global growth of small business within the floriculture industry, and (b) increasing government assistance through incentives to encourage growth, market access, and internationalization.