Designing a Spirituality-Oriented Resilience Model in Startups with Emphasis on Knowledge Processing: A Grounded Theory Approach

Jafarpour, Shahin; Gholamrezaei, Davood; Nazemy, Amir; Najjari, Reza

doi:10.22034/kps.2025.520176.1229

Designing a Spirituality-Oriented Resilience Model in Startups with Emphasis on Knowledge Processing: A Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Original Research Manuscripts

Authors

Shahin Jafarpour ¹

Davood Gholamrezaei ²

Amir Nazemy ³

Reza Najjari ⁴

¹ PHD candidate, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor of Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Associate Professor, Organizational Affiliation: National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/kps.2025.520176.1229

Abstract

This research aimed to design and explain a model of spiritual resilience in start-ups, using a data-driven theoretical approach and highlighting the role of knowledge processing. The present study employed a qualitative approach grounded in a data-driven theory strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 managers, consultants, and activists in the fields of innovation and startups, and were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. A total of 173 initial codes were identified, which were subsequently organized into 21 core categories, ultimately resulting in 6 selected categories. The research findings were categorized into five areas: causal conditions, context, intervention, strategy, and outcome. A model consisting of six categories and 21 core codes was developed based on 173 open codes. This model has identified one of the most comprehensive approaches to fostering spiritual resilience in start-ups. The role of knowledge processing—particularly through the analysis of past experiences, ethical decision-making, and tacit knowledge management—is crucial in fostering spiritual resilience. The spiritual resilience model can assist businesses in effectively adapting to technological and environmental developments by fostering flexibility and readiness for change. This approach enables organizations to capitalize on new opportunities and mitigate risks that may arise in a resilient business environment. As a result, the spiritual resilience model can assist start-ups in the ICT sector in achieving success and sustainable growth by fostering positive relationships with spiritual values, promoting flexibility, and enhancing resistance to financial pressures as well as technological and environmental changes.

Keywords

Spiritual resilience

Startup businesses

Knowledge processing

Tacit knowledge management

Effective leadership

Subjects

Knowledge management

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