Resiliency Through Connectedness: Connections Female Social Entrepreneurs Develop to Reduce Stress A Narrative Inquiry

Entrepreneurs are driven, goal-oriented individuals. Female social entrepreneurs have the same goal orientation but are working toward righting the world’s social wrongs. At times, a company working to fix a social wrong requires the lead entrepreneur to take on situations they are ill prepared for, and for many social entrepreneurs this leads to stress and burnout. In order to find out how social entrepreneurs navigate social connections and stress, this researcher completed a qualitative study using narrative inquiry. Through each individual story, the researcher focused on the theory of Resiliency Through Connectedness as it relates to female social entrepreneurs endeavouring to right the world’s wrongs. Connection themes that support stress reduction included spiritual support, familial support and organizational support. However, another interesting finding developed through the interview process. This researcher uncovered the phenomenon that connections, both good and bad have an effect on self-efficacy, and only those relationships that support ones self-efficacy have a significant impact on stress reduction. The reason spiritual, familial and organizational support reduces stress is the connection supported the development of the female entrepreneur’s self-efficacy. Connections, good or bad, are important.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Herb-Sepich, Debora

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ehrlich, Donna M.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/55653

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/55653