Analysing the individual entrepreneurial resilience of rural women

Individual and social resilience is considered a key to managing stresses in rural communities. The individual resilience of rural women affects the improvement of entrepreneurial resilience and consequently rural community. Resilient entrepreneurs accept changes instead of resistance and represent high risk-taking and tolerance for attaining objectives and managing challenges. The present study aimed to analyse the individual entrepreneurial resilience of rural women. Furthermore, it was conducted through survey method using questionnaire, and the sample were 269 rural women living in the Fars province of Iran who were selected based on stratified random sampling. The face validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by a panel of experts in Shiraz University as well as conducting a pilot study out of the main study area, respectively. Based on the results of confirmatory factor analysis, 22 items among 25 were used to explain the construct of the individual resilience of women entrepreneurs. The individual resilience of rural women entrepreneurs was predicted by the components of individual competencies, accept positive changes, trust in own inherent talents, control and faith, respectively. The findings of causal model indicated that virtual social networks, marketing mix, entrepreneurial spirit and application of marketing strategies influenced improving the individual resilience of women entrepreneurs positively. Furthermore, literacy level, entrepreneurial motivation and application of marketing methods enhanced the individual resilience of women indirectly. Thus, it is suggested that officials try to improve marketing, networking and the social relationships of women entrepreneurs through practical tools such as virtual social networks. Supporting participatory approaches in women’s entrepreneurial activities is also considered another action proposed to progress the individual entrepreneurial resilience of women.