Exposing Pathways to Organisational Resilience: Revenue Recovery Patterns Among Ukrainian Firms in a War Economy

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic pathways of organisational resilience among Ukrainian firms operating in a war economy. Our research highlights the profound impact of armed conflicts on commerce, emphasising the need for businesses to develop resilience strategies to mitigate risks and maintain operations. Through an examination of organisational data representing the 2-year period following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our findings support the presence of two resilience pathways previously described in the extant literature, ‘bounce-back’ and ‘bounce-beyond’ and expose two new pathways which we have labelled ‘bounce-less’ and ‘bounce-boom.’ Our findings reveal the complex and varying paths of organisational resilience resulting from changes in market demand and resource availability, underscoring the importance of organisational adaptability, resourcefulness and innovation. We also propose a broader definition of resilience than is currently found in the literature – one which recognises the challenges of achieving a baseline of organisational survival in a time of crisis. The article concludes with practical implications and recommendations for future research on resilience in wartime conditions.