Firms persistence under sanctions: <scp>Micro‐level</scp> evidence from Iran

Given the importance of firm strategic management in time crisis, this study investigates Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) approaches to persistence during international sanctions against Iran. Using data from a questionnaire 486 firms between December 2019 September 2020, we found that reducing research development (R&D) expenditures, marketing costs fixed/overhead investing information technology (IT) are positively related persistence. Conversely, managerial decisions reduce production cut or freeze staff pay have negative significant impacts on firm's ability persist sanctions. Moreover, micro-firms more resilient than their small medium counterparts. The findings also confirm age has positive impact Finally, results show having business plan, access finance technology, owner education, export orientation, networking consulting services key drivers withstanding pressure