War, peace, and entrepreneurship: An institutional and socio-cognitive perspective on how violent conflict affects (necessity) entrepreneurship

HIRSCHMANN, Mirko; FISCH, Christian; Momtaz, Paul P.

doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.116074

Article (Scientific journals)

War, peace, and entrepreneurship: An institutional and socio-cognitive perspective on how violent conflict affects (necessity) entrepreneurship

HIRSCHMANN, Mirko; FISCH, Christian; Momtaz, Paul P.

2026 • In Journal of Business Research

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/10993/67919

DOI
10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.116074

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Keywords :

Violent conflict; War and peace; Entrepreneurial activity; Necessity entrepreneurship; Institutional theory; Social cognitive theory

Abstract :

[en] Violent conflict is a pervasive feature of human history, with profound implications for individuals, communities, and economies. The disruptions violent conflict causes reshape the conditions under which entrepreneurship emerges and evolves. In its aftermath, entrepreneurship may function as a coping mechanism and a vehicle for recovery. However, entrepreneurship is also constrained by altered opportunity structures, disrupted labor markets, heightened uncertainty, and weakened institutions. Drawing on institutional and social cognitive theory, we examine how violent conflict influences the likelihood and type of entrepreneurship. We combine Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data (n = 1,485,332; 90 countries, 2009–2021) with Global Peace Index scores in a multilevel design. Our results show that violent conflict reduces overall entrepreneurial engagement but increases the prevalence of necessity (vs. opportunity) entrepreneurship in a country, with socio-cognitive characteristics as moderators. Our findings are robust to alternative conflict indicators, offering nuanced theoretical contributions and actionable policy guidance for resilience-building in conflict settings.

Disciplines :

General management, entrepreneurship & organizational theory

Author, co-author :

HIRSCHMANN, Mirko ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and New Technology (EINT)

FISCH, Christian ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and New Technology (EINT)

Momtaz, Paul P.

External co-authors :

yes

Language :

English

Title :

War, peace, and entrepreneurship: An institutional and socio-cognitive perspective on how violent conflict affects (necessity) entrepreneurship

Publication date :

2026

Journal title :

Journal of Business Research

ISSN :

0148-2963

eISSN :

1873-7978

Publisher :

Elsevier, New York, United States - New York

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Development Goals :

8. Decent work and economic growth
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Additional URL :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296326001086?dgcid=author

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since 05 March 2026

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