Emotional Experiences of Agro-Industry Exporters Amid Global Price Fluctuations: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Global trade volatility is a major concern in economic and industrial research, especially for agro-industry exporters who are vulnerable to international market shifts. While prior studies have examined the economic effects of price instability, less attention has been given to the emotional experiences of exporters in such contexts. This study explores how agro-industry exporters in Indonesia emotionally interpret and respond to global price changes, emphasizing subjective dimensions that are often neglected. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological approach, the study investigates the lived experiences of ten Indonesian agro-exporters. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings reveal four central emotional themes: anxiety over market uncertainty, fear of financial and reputational loss, emotional connection to global trade, and reliance on faith and family for coping. These insights show that exporters construct meaning and identity through their engagement with volatile markets, portraying trade as both an economic and existential endeavor. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of economic resilience by incorporating emotional and cultural perspectives, and encourages future research into cross-cultural emotional responses to market volatility.
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