Introduction
Courage emphasizes the pursuit of a goal despite risk or fear. In recent years, this dimension has also been studied in relation to the work environment. In the specific context of entrepreneurship, courage has been classified as one of the most important qualities of successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a path characterized by uncertainties and risks, where courage plays a fundamental role in the entrepreneurial process. However, few studies have explored courage in the specific entrepreneurial context. It is therefore necessary to capture entrepreneurs' subjective experiences related to courage, exploring definitions, emotional dynamics, and organizational factors that either facilitate or hinder acts of courage at work.
Methodology
The study used semi-structured interviews for qualitative data collection conducted with a small and homogeneous sample of Italian entrepreneurs. The chosen approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of the lived experience of courage at work, emphasizing the relationship between obstacles and facilitating factors.
Preliminary Results
The interviews highlighted the complexity of the experience of courage at work and how it manifests in daily work practices. Participants reported that courage is not an innate trait but rather the ability to persevere and act with determination in the face of difficulties, taking responsibility and risks, driven by the willingness to overcome obstacles and confidence in their own abilities. Key resources that facilitate courage emerged, as well as factors that hinder its expression.
Conclusions
This research contributes to understanding the way to acting courageously at work from the perspective of entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that in accounts of workplace courage, courageous behavior is not merely an individual response to professional challenges, but a collective phenomenon influenced by organizational and social contexts. This study lays the groundwork for developing new assessment tools for courage and designing training interventions aimed at strengthening this dimension.