United we stand: the entrepreneurs network and its role in overcoming crisis situations

Abstract

Purpose The present study aims to understand the role of the network of a woman entrepreneur in helping the business during a crisis with a focus on the stakeholders, namely, the suppliers and the customers. Design/methodology/approach Case study method is used to address the research objectives and a case of a woman entrepreneur based in India is selected for the same purpose. An interpretive approach is used to understand the underlying phenomenon. Findings The analysis of the case illustrates how the three major aspects of the network, i.e. content, governance and structure, manifest from the supplier and the customers’ side and how do the same change during a crisis and may help the entrepreneur to overcome the crisis. Research limitations/implications The present study contributes to the theory of “network success hypotheses of entrepreneurship theory” by offering a manifestation of the same during a crisis faced by the entire network of the entrepreneur. Practical implications The findings provide insights on how an entrepreneur can use innovative ways of rethinking of the strategies during a crisis without compromising on the basic philosophy of the company. Originality/value The present study is one of a kind to identify the interplay between the entrepreneurial networks both from the customer and supplier sides of the firm during a crisis.