Business Milieus and Core Self-Evaluation in Entrepreneurial Resilience: A Study of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs at the University of Uyo, Nigeria

The ability of small-scale businesses in Nigeria to bounce back from adversity is a crucial factor in their long-term viability and success. This study investigated the predictive roles of business milieus and core self-evaluation (CSE) in entrepreneurial resilience among small-scale entrepreneurs at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. Employing an ex post facto research design, data were collected from 226 entrepreneurs operating within the University campuses. Data were collected using the Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSES) and the Entrepreneurial Resilience Scale (ERS). Data were analysed with simple percentage, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression. The findings revealed that two of the business milieus investigated in the study (business type and the number of employees) significantly predicted entrepreneurial resilience, while business registration status and age did not predict entrepreneurial resilience. Additionally, regression analysis revealed the significance of three dimensions of CSE in entrepreneurial resilience, with self-esteem, locus of control, and self-efficacy emerging as significant predictors. Recommendations included incorporating modules on building self-esteem, locus of control, and self-efficacy in entrepreneurship training programmes and tailoring business support services and policies to enhance resilience among small-scale entrepreneurs. The study contributes to understanding the key factors that impact the ability of small-scale entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles, offering practical guidance for developing targeted interventions that can help them thrive and achieve their business goals.

Entrepreneurial Resilience, Business Milieus, Core Self-Evaluation, Small-Scale Entrepreneurs, University of Uyo

1. Ayala, J. C., & Manzano, G. (2014). Entrepreneurial resilience: A literature review. Journal of Enterprising Culture, 22(3), 243-258. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Bryce, C., Ring, J., & Paton, D. (2022). Responding to the COVID-19 crisis: A study of entrepreneurial resilience and innovation. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 17, e00279 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Coutu, D. L., & Kaufmann, C. (2021). How resilience works. Harvard Business Review, 99(2), 44-49 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Duan, J., Lam, L. W., Xu, H., & Zhong, Y. (2020). How do entrepreneurs’ perceived resilience and social networks affect their financial performance? Evidence from China. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 44(5), 930-957. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Etuk, G. R. (2020). Assessment of burnout and its relationship with personality trait among entrepreneurs in Nigeria. PhD Thesis, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Jena, R. K., & Sahoo, C. K. (2019). Influence of core self-evaluation on entrepreneurial resilience: Evidence from India. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 11(4), 504-526. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Judge, T. A., & Bono, J. E. (2001). Relationship of core self-evaluations traits—self-esteem, generalised self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional stability—with job satisfaction and job performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(1), 80–92. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Lee, S. H., & Wang, T. (2017). Entrepreneurial resilience and the successful growth of venture businesses. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 22(02), 1750010. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Lee, S., & Kim, M. (2017). Direct impact of core self-evaluation on entrepreneurial success: Evidence from South Korea. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, 23(2), 318-335. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Li, Y., Xu, J., & Liu, Y. (2015). Development and validation of an Entrepreneurial Resilience Scale. Psychological Reports, 116(2), 568–583. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Luthans, F., Avey, J. B., & Jensen, S. M. (2015). Psychological capital: Exploring the relationship with performance. In The Oxford handbook of positive organizational scholarship (pp. 541-562). Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Miao, C., & Ma, J. (2016). Entrepreneurial orientation, environmental hostility, and small business performance: A configurational approach. Journal of Small Business Management, 54(S1), 19-45. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Ogunsiji, B. O., Oyelana, A. A., & Olofinyehun, O. (2020). The role of small and medium scale enterprises in economic development: Evidence from Nigeria. Ozean Journal of Social Sciences, 13(3), 93-101. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Okon, E. E., & Etuk, E. U. (2020). Entrepreneurial resilience and business performance of women entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Research, 66-78 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Oyelana, A. A., & Adeleke, T. B. (2018). Entrepreneurship, small businesses and economic growth in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Management & Business Studies, 5(5), 51-57 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Sánchez-García, J. C., Alcover, C.-M., & Gómez-Mejía, L. R. (2018). Entrepreneurs' well-being: A core self-evaluation approach. Journal of Business Research, 86, 328-336. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Schutte, C. S. L., & Mberi, M. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on small, medium and micro enterprises in South Africa: A synthesis of research findings. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 23(1), 1-9. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Ecological Survey of Aquatic Macrophytes in Tatabu Reservoir, Niger State, Nigeria
• Adaptation Phenomena of Visually Impaired Disabilities in Social Relations at the Social Rehabilitation Unit in Malang, Indonesia
• Modeling and Simulation of Solar Irradiance Conversion Using the Pyranometer App
• Development of an Expert System for Outpatients
• Strength Analysis of Heat Treated Clay and Rice Husk Mixture