Perseverance strategies for enterprising individuals

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to arrive at a conceptual understanding of perseverance processes in the context of enterprising behavior and to outline readily employable perseverance strategies for situations characterized by obstacles, challenges and setbacks. This paper presents a process model of perseverance, drawing on elements of control theory and appraisal theory. From this model, a variety of perseverance strategies within four broad categories is derived: strategies that affect adversity itself; strategies that change the way adversity is perceived; strategies that reframe the aim that adversity has made difficult to attain; and strategies that help to increase self-regulatory strength. James Dyson's biography provides examples for the strategies. The paper discusses a broad variety of strategies to help individuals persevere in reaching their enterprising goals. Although it is a widely held perception that perseverance is needed to successfully start and run a venture, the perseverance process and perseverance strategies have received little research attention. © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited