Dissertations / Theses: 'Women/female entrepreneurs/entrepreneurship'

1

Berozashvili, Alex. "Swedish Government’s targeted entrepreneurship policy to encourage entrepreneurship among women : An Evaluation of the program "Support Women Entrepreneurs 2007-2009"." Thesis, KTH, Industriell ekonomi och organisation (Avd.), 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-41553.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to examine the situation of female entrepreneurs in Sweden by exploring the Swedish governments adopted, targeted entrepreneurship policy on women entrepreneurs and evaluate the program "Support Women Entrepreneurs 2007-2009" implemented by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. In the program evaluation process qualitative data analyses methods are used. The aim of the evaluation is to measure how planned program/component parts were implemented in practice and whether set goals were accomplished. Overall results from the program evaluation should be considered as positive. The original program plan consisted of six parts, 20 goals, and 34 component parts. Out of the 34 component parts, 18 were acknowledged to have been accomplished, information was not available for 14 component parts and 2 component parts were found not to be accomplished. Due to the program’s complexity in execution, involving different executive layers on national, regional and municipal levels, evaluation process was quite demanding and still it could not represent the highest level of preciseness in evaluating component parts. The most actively executed and successfully implemented part of the program could be considered part four: Attitudes and role-models.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Xuan, Zhang, and Zhang Xuemei. "Influential factors and motivations for female entrepreneurs in China : A case study of twelve female entrepreneurs." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-387948.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract Background: Female entrepreneurship in China is a practice which scholars have explored severally in recent years. Just as many Asian countries, the role of Chinese women has been undermined for a longer period. However, the 20 th century marked a positive turn in Chinese culture. The rate of discrimination and seclusion of women from economic empowerment started reducing significantly. Today, Chinese women are struggling to compete effectively with their male counterparts in entrepreneurial sector. The purpose of having women empowerment on the market economy is to generate more income to the country. Also, the practice lessens the rate of unemployment and high rate of dependency in China. Hence, it is apparent that the entrepreneurial actions in China are motivated by a number of factors that are presented in the paper. Purpose: The primary aim of the study is to determine influential and motivational factors for female entrepreneurs in China. Methods: The research has employed a qualitative research approach to determine influential factors and motivating aspects of female entrepreneurship in China. Random sampling tactic has been chosen as the methodology to discover data of women that have succeeded in the country. This approach can help to analyze a broader population of women entrepreneurs in China. Meanwhile, a semi-structured interview was involved in collecting data so that first-hand and unbiased information is obtained from interviewees. Findings: From the study of the influential factors and motivation for female entrepreneurs in China, it has been noted that the process of entrepreneurship among the current female entrepreneurs in the country can be categorized as either passive or initiative. While looking at the passive entrepreneurship among the female entrepreneurs, it is noted that those people are driven by the daily needs of their families. On the other hand, initiative entrepreneurship relies much more on human capital and social capital. The zeal and motivation that they possess lead them to developing far-sighted enterprises, hence contributing to the economic development of the country.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Seliverstova, Nataliya, and Aleksandra Somkova. "Female Entrepreneurship in Russia: Women Wanted!" Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för organisation och entreprenörskap (OE), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-74798.

Full text

Abstract:

Female entrepreneurship, as a subject of the academic research, has gained a lot of popularity in the recent years. A considerable amount of attention to this field has been caused by the growing recognition that female entrepreneurship has a profound impact on the economic development. Nevertheless, the potential of female entrepreneurs is far from being fully realized in many economies. Having chosen Russia as the area of investigation, the researchers intend to examine female entrepreneurship and discover specific obstacles contained in it. Therefore, this study aims at discovering preventing factors that dissuade Russian women from stepping into entrepreneurship. For the purposes of this work,qualitative research approach is followed, with the actors view and qualitative content analysis being applied. Case studies and interviews are used to collect data about female entrepreneurs' opinion on the general state of female entrepreneurship in Russia, their attitudes toward it and assumptions about existing barriers. The results of the research demonstrate that distinguished and describedbarriers of female entrepreneurship hold different level of influence. The researchers also emphasize that actual barriers do not fully comply with those that are generally perceived by Russians and broadly described by scholars. From the study it is revealed that the most influential barriers are the following: managerial incompetence together with financial illiteracy, mistrust to the government and the myth of female entrepreneurship, with corruption and social prejudices being of less significance. The conclusion can also be drawn that the revealed myth of female entrepreneurship influences women's attitude towards entrepreneurship in Russia to much more extent than other obstacles. Some recommendations regarding possible alterations to current state of female entrepreneurship in Russia as well as suggestions to future female entrepreneurs, such as improving entrepreneurial environment, educational toolkit for female entrepreneurs, the importance of telling inspirational stories, are presented.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Nxopo, Zinzi. "The role of government in empowering female entrepreneurs in the Western Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1794.

Full text

Abstract:

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) in the Faculty of Business at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The South African government, to accelerate economic growth and development, has identified the Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMME) sector, and female entrepreneurs, as vehicles capable of bringing about this change. Unfortunately, this growth has been stifled due to the high failure rate of entrepreneurial businesses in the SMME sector. A possible solution for female entrepreneurs is the introduction of start-up support services to empower them to be successful. Empowering entrepreneurs is the function of nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs by providing them with professional skills development and moral support, to impact positively on the business’s sustainability. There is a clear need to widen access to business start-up training and advice to encourage larger numbers of women to embrace self-employment. This implies offering a wide range of start-up support services which encourage women to go into business. Women enter business from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of experience. The provision of business start-up training and advice needs to accommodate these very different experiences. Women attending entrepreneurship programmes have often criticised these programmes as being male-orientated and prescriptive. Women are expected to conform to male models and standards of behaviour. While this study relates specifically to female entrepreneurs in the Western Cape, it is set in the context of female entrepreneurship in South Africa. The target population for the research was 150 female entrepreneurs in the Tourism industry in the Western Cape. The study is quantitative in nature, using the survey method for better understanding of the research problem. The study aimed to understand the needs of female entrepreneurs, and to underscore the significance of skills and knowledge transfer from the government to female entrepreneurs. The research explored the role of government in empowering female entrepreneurs in the Tourism industry in Western Cape, and identified support services that can be used to promote the growth and development of female entrepreneurs. Possible solutions to failure rates of female entrepreneurship are also addressed, with specific models for improved business support services for all female entrepreneurs in the Tourism industry in the Western Cape. This will help them to run sustainable businesses as well as provide more jobs. This research recommends that management capability and financial management acumen be regarded as key to success for funding by the entrepreneurs themselves, and the parties involved in supporting and promoting them.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Taqi, Najma. "The challenges facing women entrepreneurs : a study on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries." Thesis, Brunel University, 2016. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/13538.

Full text

Abstract:

Women’s entrepreneurship is a much touted topic of research with researchers competing to contribute to the growing body of knowledge. Although literature is replete with articles and opinions on the various aspects concerning women’s entrepreneurship, still more needs to be done. Much of the research produced until now has focused on specific contexts like western countries and results obtained are either not conclusive or generalizable and in many cases incomplete. Research on women’s entrepreneurship conducted in the contexts of developing nations appears to be grossly inadequate, bordering almost on a neglected category. Specifically, research on women’s entrepreneurship conducted in the context of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries is almost nil except for a few sporadic articles here and there. How women entrepreneurs have fared in the GCC countries is not clear and there is a need to know what their current status is, how they have performed and what challenges contribute to their lack of progress. There is a huge gap in the literature in this area and this research has made some modest contributions to remove this gap partially. The literature review shows that a number of challenges affect women entrepreneurs’ success. Although the research output used in this research was derived from studies conducted largely in a western context, some of the factors grounded in theories like institutional theory were found to be applicable to the context of women entrepreneurs in the GCC. Five of these challenges, namely lack of adequate training and education; legal constraints; cultural constraints and a lack of social support; lack of access to financial resources; and work–family interface have been investigated in this research using a conceptual model and survey questionnaire. Women entrepreneurs in three GCC countries, namely Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were chosen for studying the phenomenon of women’s entrepreneurial involvement in business activities. A random sampling method was used. Hypotheses were developed and verified and the five challenges were found through rigorous statistical tests to significantly affect the involvement of women entrepreneurs in business activity in GCC countries. The challenges selected were part of a larger set of challenges, not all of which could be investigated due to paucity of time, resources and the large territory comprising three nations in the GCC region. In addition, an exploratory study using interviews was conducted to identify specific challenges that affect women entrepreneurs in the GCC countries. Three additional challenges, namely intellectual property; patronage and connections; and lengthy regulatory procedures were revealed through this. Mixed method research was used which led to triangulation of the results obtained from analysing data gathered through questionnaire survey and interview. The challenges that emerged from the analysis of the questionnaire survey and interviews resulted in the development of a new and comprehensive model that combined the challenges tested through the empirical model and those derived from interviews. The findings from the analysis indicated that much needs to be done to enable women entrepreneurs involved in business activities in the GCC region to succeed. Many challenges need to be tackled. The findings clearly point out that the challenges are responsible for the low percentage (around 2%) of business activities attributable to women-owned enterprises in the GCC countries. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the area of women’s entrepreneurship in the specific context of the GCC region. The research outcomes clearly indicate that specific challenges can be tackled to improve the involvement of business activities of women entrepreneurs in the GCC region. Since the topic of involvement of women entrepreneurs in business activities in the context of GCC countries is not well investigated, the research outcomes of this research add to the current knowledge from a contextual point of view. In addition, the research has expanded the application of institutional theory to understand about the various challenges that affect involvement of women entrepreneurs in business activities in the context of GCC and contributed theoretically in terms of developing a new framework that could be used to examine how the challenges could be tackled. Methodologically, the research has shown how a mixed method research can be used to combine the outcome of survey research with interviews. Practical implications of the research outcomes show that the framework developed in this research could be adopted in practice by women entrepreneurs themselves, as well as various institutions and organizations that are concerned with women entrepreneurs, for improving the involvement of women entrepreneurs in business activities in the context of the GCC. Although the limitations of this research have been highlighted, how to overcome those limitations through future research has been explained. Thus, overall, this research effort is expected to stimulate further discussion and debate with regard to the involvement of women in business activities in the GCC and act as some kind of a basis for initiating steps to improve the position of women entrepreneurs involved in business activities in the GCC and perhaps in other regions surrounding the GCC countries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Holland-Noronha, Neila. "Economic and socio cultural experiences of female entrepreneurs in Brazil and the United States : an exploratorial and empirical analysis." Thesis, Robert Gordon University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10059/507.

Full text

Abstract:

Over the last twenty years female entrepreneurs have been increasing in numbers in economies of developing and developed nations across the world. But although female entrepreneurship participation rates have increased worldwide, it appears that economic and socio cultural patterns still prescribe whether a female can become or want to become an entrepreneur in her society. Some reasons are obvious such as lack of employment and opportunities; other are disguised in patriarchal culture that deters female entrepreneurship. Against this backdrop it appears that in less developed countries necessity and informal entrepreneurship are more prevalent than opportunity entrepreneurship. An explanation from economic nature for this phenomenon is perhaps the fact that with less job opportunities available in developing nations, the ‘need’ to become an entrepreneur seems to be the answer for females to make a living by creating their own jobs. At the socio cultural level, the motivation to become an entrepreneur out of need surfaces because of the socio cultural structure of certain nations that hinder females from finding work that brings them independence, self actualization and flexibility for work-life balance. This qualitative exploratory study investigates the phenomenon of female entrepreneurship comparing female entrepreneurship in two contexts: Brazil and the United States. The economic differences on a macro level between these two countries have been well documented and national socio cultural differences have been discussed. But very little has been focused at the individual level of the female entrepreneur per se, that is, how they perceive and experience the economic and the social cultural macro environment with their businesses. This research attempts to fill this gap. This was done by first reviewing the literature and then by analysing the responses from face to face and telephone interviews with 34 female entrepreneurs in Brazil and 26 in the United States. The findings indicated that female entrepreneurs in Brazil and the United States share similarities in motivation for starting the business in terms of pull factors, such as search for financial independence, want to be one’s own boss, need for autonomy, and self actualization. The women from both groups also identified customer satisfaction and recognition from society as key elements for their business success. But business informality was a phenomenon only found among the Brazilian enterprises (the informais) a factor found to be directly related to economic necessity and the scarcity of waged jobs and opportunities. The perception of gender barriers was shared by both groups of entrepreneurs but other factors such as religion and the importance of faith to succeed in business were emphasized only by the Americans. Higher education was perceived by both groups as an instrument to gain recognition from society, but not important to grow their businesses; vocational training was perceived as more important. Networking was perceived as important, but different patterns of networking emerged among the Brazilians and the Americans. Definitions of success also differ among the women independent from their nationality. Some were more inclined to define success in financial terms, others simply define success in terms of flexibility and the ‘got to be in control’ syndrome. This research contributed to an increased understanding of the processes of female entrepreneurship as it related to how economic and socio cultural forces influence these processes. The findings indicated that the female entrepreneurship process becomes a combination of two processes: a person driven process and a response to environment process. Mentoring and coaching programs that assist women finding their path to entrepreneurship along with their own passions should be emphasized by local agencies. Although policy development was not the specific objective of this study, a number of issues have arisen that have implications both for future research and female entrepreneurship policies. For instance, in Brazil, higher taxes and the high cost of starting a business were perceived by the women as barriers to their businesses. It is suggested that Brazilian authorities and legislators continue with their efforts to streamline the business start process by introducing innovative and cost effective ways to formalize a business.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Browne, Tamu Petra. "Strategies of Minority Female Technology Entrepreneurs to Obtain Venture Capital Funding." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6177.

Full text

Abstract:

Less than 1% of minority women receive venture capital funding for technology enterprises. The purpose of the multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by Black female entrepreneurs to obtain venture capital funding for their technology businesses in the United States. The conceptual framework for the study was the social network theory of entrepreneurship. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 5 Black female entrepreneurs who founded technology ventures in the United States. Journaling before and after each interview aided the methodological triangulation, which ensured validation. Yin's data analysis process was used, and the data were reviewed, codes determined, emerging themes noted, and iterative explanation building undertaken. The main themes emerging from the analysis of the data were the participation in pitch competitions, the importance of networks, and communication. The findings may contribute to social change because other minority female, technology entrepreneurs can use the strategies of the participants as a model in their quest to receive venture capital funding. An increase in the number of minority women who receive venture capital funding and engage in high-growth entrepreneurship may result in an improved standard of living for the women and their families. Society could also benefit from a more diverse pool of technological innovations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Khalif, Yahye, and Liiban Cabdirisaaq. "Microcredits and the empowerment of Muslim female entrepreneurs : A comparative study on conventional microcredits and Islamic microcredits in empowering Muslim female entrepreneurs in Tanzania." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Företagsekonomi, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-161054.

Full text

Abstract:

Previous research has emphasized the importance of promoting female entrepreneurship in developing countries. Women often lack assets, financial history and are disadvantaged in acquiring wage-employment. In Tanzania, female entrepreneurs face these constraints when seeking resources for entrepreneurial purposes. Provision of microcredits has thereby been highlighted to empower women. Impact assessments of women accessing microcredits has its focus on evaluating a change in the decision-making of women. Our study focusses on combining factors affecting female entrepreneurship and achievements. Scarce literature has covered the possible empowerment of Muslim female entrepreneurs caused by microcredits in the world and in the context of Tanzania. Many Muslims do not engage in interest-based transactions. Instead, they use the products of Islamic microfinance institutions, who refrain from using interest-based credits. Our study, therefore, aims to explore the possible empowerment of Muslim female entrepreneurs, comparing female entrepreneurs who use microcredits provided by conventional microfinance institutions (MFIs) and Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFIs). Our study points out in line with previous research that microcredits empower Muslim female entrepreneurs in Tanzania. The study highlights that Muslim female entrepreneurs in Tanzania prefer non-interest-based microcredits over interest-based microcredits, as they are in accordance with their faith.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Raudales, Erlandsson Elsa, and Mimmi Larsson. "Female Entrepreneurs in Honduras : The Motivation Factors Behind their Decisions." Thesis, Högskolan i Jönköping, Högskolan för lärande och kommunikation, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-21770.

Full text

Abstract:

Entrepreneurial activity can promote economic development on a national level. Women are the most underdeveloped workforce globally. The amount of entrepreneurs is higher in developing countries, where lack of equality, education and resources most detain them from engaging economically. It is crucial to understand what motivates these entrepreneurs, more specifically women entrepreneurs, since they are so important for the development. Few studies have been done about women entrepreneurs’ motivation compared to those done about men and even more scarce are the studies done in developing countries.This study is conducted through interviews and a survey among women entrepreneurs within the PFME. The PFME is a program within the private organisation CCIT that aims to strengthen women entrepreneurs in Honduras through support and education.Push-factors are those motivation factors that come out of necessity and pull-factors are those that come out of opportunity. This study shows that the push-factors are more common among these Honduran women than among women in studies from other countries. Economic reasons and independence are among the highest ranked motivations. Further research need to be done in order to understand what affects these motivation factors on a country level and why there are differences between the motivation of women entrepreneurs in developed countries and developing countries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Moustafa, Gihan, and Ajoqué Santos. "Female entrepreneurship in developing countries, Barriers and Motivation : Case Study, Egypt and Brazil." Thesis, KTH, Entreprenörskap och Innovation, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-189893.

Full text

Abstract:

Entrepreneurship accounted by women has become important all over the world, especially in developing countries where it plays not only an economic role but a social role as well, changing communities and consequently, the whole society. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main motivation and barriers faced by women in developing countries, especially concerning the case study, namely Brazil and Egypt. In order to accomplish that, a deep literature review has been done and ten cases were analysed from a qualitative perspective. The main results found were that most of women in those countries are pushed into entrepreneurship rather than pulled and the main barriers are more aligned to the social context, lack of education, gender inequality issues rather than barriers related to business expertise. We do believe that the main contribution might relies on the fact that it brings different perspectives within female entrepreneurship from two different countries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Lipkins, Lisa. "Strategies Used by African American Women to Secure Financial Capital to Start New Businesses." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7936.

Full text

Abstract:

Women-owned businesses continue to drive economic growth in the United States. However, some African American businesswomen lack strategies to obtain capital to start their business. Strategies to obtain funds for a startup is vital to African American women seeking to start and sustain their businesses. Guided by entrepreneurial theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies African American women use to secure financial capital to start new businesses. The participants included 6 African American women business owners in Atlanta, Georgia, with successful experience in utilizing strategies to secure financial capital to start new businesses. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and company documents. Yin's 5-step analysis was used to analyze the data. The main themes were challenges of being an African American business woman, motivating factors leading to business ownership, and overcoming bank financing challenges. The implications for positive social change may include addressing the disparity of social, human, and financial capital to start new businesses among African American women.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Valencia, Silva Maika Melina. "Factores que influyen en los resultados de las nuevas empresas creadas por mujeres." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Ramon Llull, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/9206.

Full text

Abstract:

La presència de les dones emprenedores a l' àmbit empresarial cada vegada va en augment y amb allò, l' interès per conèixer més sobre aquest potencial col·lectiu i els resultats que tenen les empreses que creen. D'una banda, els estudis publicats fins ara se centren en la seva majoria en països anglosaxons, per això existeix una necessitat per conèixer com és aquest col·lectiu en països amb cultura diferent. D'altra banda, existeix debat sobre els resultats de les mateixes per això es fa també necessari considerar aspectes nous en la valoració d'aquest tipus d' empreses.

El present treball planteja l' objectiu de determinar l' influència dels factors del procés de creació d'empreses en els resultats de les empreses noves creades per dones. Això, a fi d'explicar alguna variació en els resultats d' aquestes empreses. L'estudi se centra a Espanya i en específic l' objecte d'estudi són empreses noves creades i dirigides per dones ubicades a les ciutats urbanes més grans d'Espanya (amb una població més gran de 500.000 habitants), que són: Barcelona, Madrid, Màlaga, Sevilla, València i Saragossa.

Es realitza una revisió d' estudis empírics sobre l' activitat emprenedora femenina publicats i una perspectiva de l'activitat empresarial de dones a Espanya. S' analitzen diverses aportacions teòriques i empíriques referents a l' avaluació dels resultats d'empreses noves. Amb això, construir un marc conceptual que conjuga aquests temes i descriu els factors del procés de creació d'empreses que poden influir en els resultats d'aquest col·lectiu.

La metodologia i disseny de l' investigació es basa en l'aplicació a emprenedores fundadores i dirigents de la seva empresa d'un qüestionari per correu postal a una mostra de 253 empreses, equivalent a una taxa de resposta del 22,33%. La qual, és considerada molt alta per a aquest tipus de qüestionaris i Espanya. Dit qüestionari d'elaboració pròpia identifica els factors que poden influir en els resultats d'una empresa nova.

El model d' investigació va ser contrastat i provat mitjançant el mètode de regressió lineal per a les variables continues la família, objectius empresarials i resultats de les empreses i, els mètodes no-paramètrics dels Mann-Whitney i Kolgomorov-Smirov per a les variables dicotòmiques pla d'empresa, experiència professional i institucions externes .

Els resultats mostren que el perfil soci demogràfic de les emprenedores espanyoles correspon al de països amb alts ingressos només amb petites diferències en el nivell educatiu i l' edat que són una mica més altes. Hi ha evidència significativa de l'efecte positiu que tenen els objectius empresarials perseguits per la emprenedora i el suport brindat per la seva família sobre els resultats de les seves empreses. També, es corrobora de manera parcial l'efecte positiu de les relacions amb institucions externes. En canvi, les variables d'experiència professional i pla d'empresa tenen un efecte nul.

Aquesta investigació s'inscriu dintre d'un corrent de treballs empírics que estudien l'activitat del female entrepreneurship i, pretén ser una aportació que permeti ampliar el coneixement existent i pugui conduir a futures investigacions sobre aquest col·lectiu.
La presencia de las mujeres emprendedoras en el ámbito empresarial cada vez va en aumento y con ello, el interés por conocer mas acerca de este potencial colectivo y de los resultados que tienen las empresas que crean. Por un lado, los estudios publicados hasta ahora se centran en su mayoría en países anglosajones, por lo que existe una necesidad por conocer como es este colectivo en pasíses con cultura diferente. Por otro lado, existe debate sobre los resultados que tienen este tipo de empresas por lo que se hace también necesario considerar aspectos nuevos en la valoración de estas empresas.
El presente trabajo plantea el objetivo de determinar la influencia de factores del proceso de creación de empresas en los resultados de las nuevas empresas creadas por mujeres. Esto, con el fin de explicar alguna diferenciación en los resultados de estas empresas. El estudio se centra en España y en específico el objeto de estudio son las nuevas empresas creadas y dirigidas por mujeres ubicadas en las ciudades urbanas más grandes de España (con una población mayor a los 500.000 habitantes), que son: Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Sevilla, Valencia y Zaragoza.
Se realiza una revisión de estudios empíricos sobre la actividad emprendedora femenina publicados y una perspectiva de la actividad empresarial de mujeres en España. Se analizan diversas aportaciones teóricas y empíricas referentes a la evaluación de los resultados de nuevas empresas. Para así, construir un marco conceptual que conjunta estos temas y describe los factores del proceso de creación de empresas que pueden influir en los resultados de este colectivo.
La metodología y diseño de la investigación está basada en la aplicación de un cuestionario por correo postal a una muestra de 253 emprendedoras fundadoras y dirigentes de su empresa, con una tasa de respuesta del 22,33%. La cual, es considerada muy alta para este tipo de cuestionarios y España. Dicho cuestionario de elaboración propia identifica los factores que pueden influir en los resultados de una nueva empresa.
El modelo de investigación fue contrastado y probado mediante el método de regresiones lineales para las variables continuas la familia, objetivos empresariales y resultados de las empresas y, los métodos no-paramétricos de Mann-Whitney y Kolgomorov-Smirov para las variables dicotómicas plan de empresa, experiencia profesional e instituciones externas .
Los resultados muestran que el perfil sociodemográfico de las emprendedoras españolas corresponde al de países con altos ingresos solo con pequeñas diferencias en el nivel educativo y la edad que son un poco más altas. Hay evidencia significativa del efecto positivo que tienen los objetivos empresariales perseguidos por la emprendedora y el apoyo brindado de su familia sobre los resultados de sus empresas. También, se corrobora de manera parcial el efecto positivo de las relaciones con instituciones externas. En cambio, son nulos los efectos de las variables experiencia profesional y plan de empresa.
Esta investigación se inscribe dentro de una corriente de trabajos empíricos que estudian la actividad del female entrepreneurship y, pretende ser una aportación que permita ampliar el conocimiento existente y pueda conducir a futuras investigaciones sobre este colectivo.
The presence of female entrepreneurs in the business world is increasingly growing together with the interest in learning more about this potential collective and the performance of businesses that create. On the one hand, the studies published so far are mostly focused on Anglo-Saxon countries, so that there is a need to learn more about this group in countries with different culture. On the other hand, due to an existing debate about the performance of this kind of ventures, it is also necessary to consider new aspects for the valuation of these businesses.

The current dissertation aims at determining the influence of factors of business creation process in the performance of new businesses created by women. This in order to explain some differences in the performance of these ventures. The study focuses on Spain and its specific object are the new companies run by women and located in the largest urban cities in Spain (with a population greater than 500,000), which are: Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Sevilla, Valencia and Zaragoza.

A literature review of empirical studies published about female entrepreneurship and a perspective of this activity in Spain are realized. A range of theoretical and empirical contributions relating to the new businesses performance's evaluation are analysed. The purpose is to build a conceptual framework that brings together these issues and describes the factors in the process of venture creation that may influence the performance of this collective.

The methodology and research design are based on the application of a questionnaire by mail to a sample of 253 women entrepreneurial founders and managers of his own business. The response rate was of 22.33%, which is considered very high for this type of questionnaire and Spain. Such a specifically designed questionnaire identifies the factors that may influence the performance of a new business.

The research model was contrasted and tested through linear regression model for the continuous variables -family, business goals and business performance- and non-parametric methods Mann-Whitney and Kolgomorov-Smirov for dichotomous variables -business plan, professional experience and external institutions-.

The results show that sociodemographic profile of Spanish female entrepreneurs is similar to the high income countries only with small differences in educational level and age that are a bit higher. There is a significant evidence of positive effect that corporate objectives pursued by the female entrepreneurs and the support of their families have on their businesses performance. Furthermore, the positive effect of relations with external institutions is partially corroborated. Whereas the effects of professional experience and business plan variables are null.

This research falls into a series of empirical studies on female entrepreneurship activity, it is meant to contribute to widen the current knowledge and can lead to future research on this collective.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Berg, Evelina, Erika Söderberg, and Bella Cehic. "SHE entrepreneurs : The challenges of female Swedish entrepreneurs in international business." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-105535.

Full text

Abstract:

Entrepreneurship is the key to a functioning society and global economy. To be entrepreneurial means not only to see and discover opportunities, but also to develop and refine these opportunities. There is evidence saying that entrepreneurship is not equal for men and women. Sweden is considered a strong and stable country with values that promote gender equality, but even in this country there are societal structures and phenomena that sometimes hinders female entrepreneurs from reaching the same success as male entrepreneurs. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore Swedish female entrepreneurs and the challenges they face when conducting international business. Furthermore the thesis will try to explore what challenges they face in foreign market entry due to their gender as well as try to provide future female entrepreneurs with information on how to avoid or handle the challenges they might face due to their gender. There is a gap in literature regarding this subject. The reviewed literature presents the international business environment and internationalization as well as entrepreneurship and the opportunities thereof. It also presents the occurrence of gender inequality in business. The conceptual framework is to illustrate how all parts are connected to the subject and to each other like a circular cycle. To ensure thorough research a qualitative method with an abductive approach is used. Both primary and secondary data have been used. The empirical data was collected through interviews with five Swedish international female entrepreneurs from different industries. The analysis was made by cross examination of the empirical data and the literature. Female entrepreneurs face challenges in international business but can often choose to use it as an advantage. There are social structures that need to change for the business environment to become more equal both in Sweden and internationally.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Quiroga, Fernandez Ana Isabel, and Yunfeng Wang. "Female Entrepreneurs - Orchids in the Forest : Conditions for female start-ups." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Ekonomihögskolan, ELNU, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-12435.

Full text

Abstract:

The last century has witnessed blooming achievements of females as rising workforce in modern society. With their active participation in business world recently, female entrepreneurship research has caught extensive attention globally, not only from academic field, but also from market entities, policy makers, social activists, as well as broad masses, concerning the social and economic contribution of female-started entreprises. Current studies within this topic concentrate on two issues: the difference between male and female entrepreneurs; demographic research for certain countries, regions, or industries. Following a qualitative research approach, this thesis applies implementations of actors view and grounded theory. With the purpose to create in-depth business knowledge, a well-structured empirical exploration is conducted mainly through theoretical sensibility acquisition, secondary data collection and face-to-face dialogues focusing on the issue of conditions for female entrepreneurs to start up and to develop a business.The researchers share their comprehensive (from both micro and macro perspective) understanding about this subject: There is no such a formula of necessary conditions existing. Female entrepreneurs need to define them according to the type of the ventures they establish and the demand for their projected growth, pursue them by taking actions instead of waiting for all conditions to be ready. The forthcoming female economy brings millions of opportunities that favor female entrepreneurs to start up enterprises, despite the current situation where they have not received effective supports that they deserve. In the end, the researchers create a new term „femesh‟ to conclude their findings and their anticipation for the future blossom of female entrepreneurs. Especially, the academic research process is described as an exploration adventure for searching orchids in the forest, together with the romantic writing style of the authors, bringing enjoyable readability without losing its preciseness, accuracy and logic as an academic research.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

McAvoy, D. A. "Women entrepreneurs in the UK armed forces." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2015. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/9317.

Full text

Abstract:

Literature on entrepreneurship has been criticised on several grounds including a strong bias to examine masculine traits, being deeply rooted in the private sector, limited to economics, conceptualised as a specialist skill pertinent only to non-public entities, overly positivist, single causal and with a tendency to downplay the relevance of both the social and human sciences. The relatively few studies of female entrepreneurs in the public sector have been criticised on the grounds of privileging structure over agency and for ignoring new research perspectives. The literature calls for the generation of alternative viewpoints on entrepreneurship and specifically towards those that pay greater attention to the level of the individual within an institutional setting and that embraces like interaction with multiple sociological variables. To generate research outside these biases, a dynamic relational model consisting of four interactive variables (structure, agency, networks and context) was developed and then used to guide a case study on women entrepreneurs within a male dominated institution - the United Kingdom’s (UK) Armed Forces. A critical realist research methodology was used. Interviews were conducted with a stratified sample of 52 female, uniformed officers drawn from all three services (Navy, Army, Airforce). The findings revealed how women use structure, agency, networks and context to create the necessary leverage to bring about entrepreneurial institutional change based on individual goal realisation strategies. The originality of this research is threefold. Firstly, it examines female entrepreneurs in a male dominated public sector institution. Secondly, it uses a critical realist research methodology. Finally, the research develops a dynamic relational model that has wider utility. The overall net result of this research approach is to provide a richer understanding of the complex, multi-causal nature of public sector entrepreneurship that has the potential for far broader application.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Hanghøj, Astrid. "Kvindelige entrepreneurer : et teoretisk studium af kvinders entrepreneurship = Female entrepreneurs /." Aarhus : Institut for Økonomi, Aarhus Universitet, 2009. http://mit.econ.au.dk/Library/Specialer/2009/20040573.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Ho, Pue Priscilla. "The making of female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1997. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B18566340.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

keza, christa, and Isabella Larsson. "Why do female entrepreneurs decide to exit their ventures? : A qualitative study on the entrepreneurial exit decisions of female entrepreneurs in Sweden." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Företagsekonomi, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-185210.

Full text

Abstract:

There are fewer female entrepreneurs than their male counterparts worldwide. This disparity persists even in countries like Sweden with the highest gender equality index scores and therefore presumed to be more gender equal. Moreover, women are underrepresented in the entrepreneurship literature. With fewer studies exploring female entrepreneurs and the gender-specific challenges, they face because ofinsufficient support, financial and otherwise. Gender equality in entrepreneurship has socio-economic importance and it plays a significant role in the overall economic growth. Making entrepreneurship a crucial economic development tool for women. With previous research showing that female entrepreneurs tend to exit their ventures at a higher rate, in this study we have explored the entrepreneurial exit decisions of female entrepreneurs with a focus on Sweden. Through our qualitative study, we interviewed 10 women that had previously made an entrepreneurial exit. Our findings show that female entrepreneurs mostly exit due to voluntary reasons, which affirms previous research that has found that female entrepreneurs are more likely to exit voluntarily than male entrepreneurs for mostly personal reasons and not because of underperformance (Justo et al., 2015; Jawarna et al., 2020). Moreover, we have further explored voluntary exits and involuntary exits. With findings showing that voluntary exits happen mostly due to management-related issues, economic instability, geographic relocation, or when the entrepreneur finds what they perceive as a better opportunity. All the involuntary exits in this study were a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to the literature of entrepreneurial exit as well as gender studies with its recommendations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Yeldell, Shauna Dilworth. "Impact of Microfinance Institutions for Female Entrepreneurs: Evidence from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2019. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/563112.

Full text

Abstract:

Business Administration/International Business Administration
D.B.A.
Microfinance encompasses a broad range of financial services targeted at low income individuals seeking to build income and assets. There has been extensive research on the role of microfinance institutions (henceforth “MFIs”) in developing countries on poverty reduction, particularly for female clients. In contrast, research on MFIs operating within the United States is more limited. This study seeks to fill this gap in the literature and is one the first to focus on the impact of an MFI on female clients in the US using data from a Philadelphia-based MFI. The study examined the factors affecting outcomes of female entrepreneurs as compared to their male counterparts measured by changes in financial capability, repayment history, household incomes, and sustainability. Although the study does not statistically support the existence of differences between the outcomes for female and male clients of the MFI, the data does indicate positive outcomes for the clients. The business survival rates on average are above national indicators. The personal credit scores for MFI clients reflect improvement subsequent to receiving loans. This study utilized survey instruments and a focus group study to identify barriers to the success of female entrepreneurs. Noted barriers such as lack of access to capital, lack of relevant business knowledge provide a foundation for future research study.
Temple University--Theses

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Scott, Andrea Richards. "Understanding the Experiences of Growth-Oriented Women Entrepreneurs| A Portraiture Study." Thesis, The George Washington University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10786020.

Full text

Abstract:

While women entrepreneurs have significantly contributed to the U.S. economy, their enterprises have been depicted as being smaller, having less profits, concentrating in low-profit sectors, and generating fewer jobs than their male counterparts (Blank et al., 2010; Hughes, Jennings, Brush, Carter, & Welter, 2012; Marlow, 2014; Minniti & Naude, 2010; U.S. Department of Commerce Economic and Statistics Administration, 2010). Thus, the portrayal of women and their ventures as disadvantage is prevalent in the women entrepreneurship literature and there is a need for research that presents a perspective that does not perpetuate this discourse (Marlow, 2014).

The purpose of this qualitative portraiture study is to understand the essence of U.S.-based, growth-oriented women entrepreneurs’ experiences in growing their businesses by centering women’s ways of knowing in the male normative environment of entrepreneurship. The study explores the following research question with two sub-questions: How do growth-oriented women entrepreneurs understand their experiences in growing their organizations within a male-normative environment of entrepreneurship? How do women entrepreneurs identify and use facilitators to grow their businesses? How do women entrepreneurs describe the experience of acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to grow their businesses?

An appreciative inquiry perspective, a key tenet of portraiture methodology that was selected for this study which is a blending of art and science (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997), guided the examination of growth-oriented women entrepreneurs’ experiences in this study. Rather than looking for the deficiency in the women entrepreneurs’ experiences, this perspective allowed a search for ‘the good’ (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997; Lawrence-Lightfoot, 2008). The ontology that guided this study was social constructivism (Creswell, 2013; Crotty, 1998; Guba & Lincoln, 1989) and the epistemology was based on women’s way of knowing (Belenky, Clinchy, Golbert, & Tarale, 1986).

The portraits of the three women entrepreneurs selected for this study were assembled into a gallery with their artifacts and stories organized and presented in a consistent way. My interpretation of each participant’s story was presented in a poetic form which depicted the essence of each woman entrepreneur’s experience in growing her businesses.

The findings of this study revealed the following six themes: women’s entrepreneurial experiences, perception of their entrepreneurial characteristics, entrepreneurial learning, entrepreneurial reflections on gender, entrepreneurial knowing, and entrepreneurial self as knower. Conclusions are presented on the experiences of women entrepreneurs’ growth within the normative environment of entrepreneurship, facilitators that women entrepreneurs use to grow their businesses, women entrepreneurs knowing along with implications for research and practice.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Peric, Kristina, Maja Bergstrand, and Sofia Dahl. "THE CHALLENGES OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS OPERATING IN THE MIDDLE EAST : Group 33." Thesis, Jönköping University, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-48732.

Full text

Abstract:

Background The Middle East is a region that consists of 17 countries: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Cyprus, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia (Pariona, 2020). Due to the persistent presence of old social and cultural structures, inequality remains a problem within the region. Every day, females in the region are faced with discrimination in various forms - something which becomes evident in the existing statistics, which show that only 28 percent of all females in the MENA region are economically active (Hattab, 2012). However, it has been possible to identify improvements within the development of society as well as in the work to counteract inequality. Hence, it becomes increasingly important to gain a greater understanding of the region as a whole as well as gain knowledge regarding the existing challenges that female entrepreneurs experience. Purpose The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of the different challenges that female entrepreneurs face when launching, managing, and developing a business in the Middle East region. Method This research is a qualitative study in which an abductive approach has been used. Therefore, the conclusions will be drawn from the empirical findings in combination with the results in the existing literature. Furthermore, in order to obtain high-quality and truthful data, a case-study with a semi-structured interview technique was used. All six interviews were later analysed by all researchers individually as well as jointly in order to ensure that no important information was lost. Conclusion Based on the empirical findings in combination with the existing literature, three contextual factors were identified as the main challenges of female entrepreneurs when operating in the Middle East region. The following contextual challenges were identified: 1) Lack of Finance, 2) Lack of Support, and 3) Discrimination.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Verwey, Ingrid Vivienne. "A comparative analysis between SA and USA women entrepreneurs in construction." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11112005-112733.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

McCord, Mary Alice. "Training needs of pre-venture female entrepreneurs." Virtual Press, 1994. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/917829.

Full text

Abstract:

Few studies on female entrepreneurship have focused on preventure women and their training needs. This study used four years of data collected from a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in a large mid-western city. The information needs sought by pre-venture females were compared with those of women who were already business owners. The groups were compared to determine training need differences before and after seeing an SBDC counselor. Male clients also were included.Data were obtained from two sources: A Small Business Administration counseling request form to be completed before counseling, and a SBDC counseling form which is a record of items discussed during the counseling session. Of the usable surveys, 553 were female and 276 were male.The three information needs most requested by pre-venture women were: Information on SBDC services (including start-up information), sources of capital, and the business plan. In counseling sessions, the business plan was the most discussed topic. Educational opportunities were the second most discussed.The next six information needs were rated closely together: Sources of finance; legal structure; industry information; business license; business name; and tax information.Little difference was found between the requested needs of pre-venture women and women in business. A greater percentage of the women in business discussed assistance in marketing, record keeping, accounting, advertising, and financial analysis. Further, women in business required more detailed information than did pre-venture women.No difference was found between African-American and white women on the amount of time spent with a counselor. Significantly more African-American women requested information on the business plan, government procurement, and international trade than did white women No difference was found in rank order comparisons of requested training needs between the two groups.Significantly more males than females requested information on bidding, sources of finance, advertising, government procurement, accounting/record keeping, and personnel. Similar gender differences were found in topics discussed during counseling. These differences may be due to the type of business started rather than gender. Rank order comparisons of training needs requested by males and females were identical.More research needs to be done with pre-venture entrepreneurs. Follow-up studies need to identify those who did or did not actually start businesses and the determinants of their decision.
Department of Educational Leadership

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Freitas, Margarida Isabel Costa. "The performance of female entrepreneurs in Portugal." Master's thesis, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/10141.

Full text

Abstract:

Mestrado em Finanças
Este estudo analisa o desempenho das mulheres empreendedoras Portuguesas. Nós concentramo-nos especificamente em avaliar o desempenho em termos de dimensão inicial da start-up, na sua sobrevivência e no seu crescimento. Foi usada uma base de dados empregador-empregado (QP - "Quadros de Pessoal"), para avaliar start-ups estabelecidas por um único empreendedor, e com atividade decorrente no período anterior. Foram excluídas start-ups às quais não poderia ser identificado pelo menos um fundador ou as informações inerentes a anos anteriores. A nossa principal conclusão é que as mulheres empreendedoras são menos propensas a possuir grandes start-ups, têm menor sobrevivência nos primeiros anos de atividade e têm menos crescimento quando comparadas com homens empreendedores.
This study analyzes the performance of Portuguese female entrepreneurs. We evaluate performance in terms of firms initial size, survival and growth. We use an employer?employee dataset (QP - "Quadros de Pessoal"), to evaluate start-ups established by a sole entrepreneur, who were working in the previous period and exclude start-ups which we could not identify at least one owner or their background. Our major findings are female entrepreneurs are less likely to possess larger start-ups, these firms have lower survival in the first years and fewer chances of growing when compared with male entrepreneurs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Clarke, Jo-Anne M. "The integrative entrepreneur| A lifeworld study of women sustainability entrepreneurs." Thesis, Fielding Graduate University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3700410.

Full text

Abstract:

In response to social and environmental concerns, a new type of entrepreneur has recently entered the research literature on sustainable development in business (Hall, Daneke, & Lenox, 2010). Sustainability entrepreneurs are guided by a strong set of values that place environmental and social well-being before materialistic growth (Abrahamsson, 2007; Choi & Gray, 2008; Parrish & Foxon, 2009; Schaltegger & Wagner, 2011; Young & Tilley, 2006). For them, business success is about maintaining financial stability, while enhancing community and improving the health of our planet. This is reflected in their business design, processes, and work culture. Sustainability entrepreneurs are committed to making business decisions that reduce their carbon footprint, promote local or fair trade, support employee wellness, and give back to the community.

This social phenomenological study explores the lifeworld structures of six women in Calgary who are running small businesses based on sustainability principles. Drawing on the work of Alfred Schütz (1967, 1970a, 1970b; Schütz & Luckmann, 1973), it examines their typifications, stocks of knowledge, and motives, as well as notions of intersubjectivity and spatiality or lived space. From the findings, three Schützian puppets or personal ideal types are constructed to personify values of community, quality, connection, and environmental preservation. Ms. A.L.L. Green, Ms. Carin Relationships, and Ms. I.N. Tentional characterize aspects of the female sustainability entrepreneur that were identified by participants as central to their motives and actions. Together, they form a new general ideal type called the integrative entrepreneur. The integrative entrepreneur personifies the unique contributions of the women interviewed, and extends our understanding of sustainability entrepreneurship in meaningful ways.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Hellsing, Maria, and Linda Olsson. "Experiences of female entrepreneurs in Tanzania : A cultural comparacy between individualism and collectivism." Thesis, Umeå University, Umeå School of Business, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-35072.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Kikooma, Julius Fred. "Doing entrepreneurship in Uganda : the social construction of gendered identities among male and female entrepreneurs." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/5878.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Sibiriakova, Iana, and Nikita Lutokhin. "Motivational Factors That Drive Russian Women Towards Entrepreneurship." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för organisation och entreprenörskap (OE), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-82564.

Full text

Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this master thesis is to offer a number of illustrations of Russian female entrepreneurs in order to identify potential motivational factors that make Russian women launch their own business start-ups. Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative research method is applied within the master thesis based on information received from secondary (case studies) and primary (semi-structured interviews) data collection methods. The actor view and combination of directed and summative approaches of the qualitative content analysis update the information gathered within the theoretical studies of peer-reviewed articles on female entrepreneurship in general and particularly in Russia. Findings – Female entrepreneurs are not a homogenous group. Motivational factors can be divided in two groups: both applicable to male and female entrepreneurship; exclusively female motivations. “The glass ceiling effect” is a common problem that pushes women into self-employment. “Internal-stable reasons” encourage women entrepreneurship as an opportunity to achieve work-life balance and be one’s own boss. The desire of social contribution is a driver of female entrepreneurship, too. Marriage and birth of children make females think about starting their own businesses as well. Female entrepreneurship discrimination in Russia still exists up to now, in particular: sexism and dalliance. The principle motivational factors for women entrepreneurs in Russia are: wholesome family relationship and family support. One can behold a developing positive trend inside the boundaries of various discrimination problems that used to frustrate the majority of females determined to embark on entrepreneurial activity. Still the majority of females who are determined to launch entrepreneurial projects consider marriage to be a significant and useful social institution. Research limitations/implications – The research studies on women entrepreneurship in the world are at the infancy stage, much less in Russia. Thus, the number of articles on female entrepreneurship is willing to be broaden. The only conduction of interviews in terms of empirical analysis is not enough and could be supported by surveys and focus groups in the future. The authors are limited in time and resources for the analysis of such a vast topic as well as restrictions in the regional context (central regions – Moscow) disallow to apply findings in relation to the whole Russian Federation. Practical implications – The findings of the master thesis could be used by researchers to replicate the study of motivational factors in a multiregional sample and to know whether the results are similar in all regions of Russia; and policy makers to motivate women to become entrepreneurs as it is a source of new jobs and allows women to be active participants in the country’s economy.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Gohar, Madiha. "Household institution and Muslim women entrepreneurship : an exploration of the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs in Peshawar, Pakistan." Thesis, University of Essex, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.573699.

Full text

Abstract:

Families and female owned enterprises are inextricably intertwined, resulting from both widely-observed factors that constrain female entrepreneurship worldwide and context-specific factors. However, as far as the contextual factors are concerned, the impact on female entrepreneurship of the household as an institution in its interaction with the wider environment remains an under-researched topic. This research aims to explore the 'lived experiences' of women entrepreneurs in the household context, in Peshawar, Pakistan, from an institutional perspective. This research sets out to explore three interrelated questions: How do the institutional dynamics (norms and values) of the household shape the entrepreneurial inclination of women? How do inter and intra household relationships influence women's ability to create venture? And to what extent are the growth aspirations of women entrepreneurs immersed and affected by the household and wider culture? The research framework developed for an investigation into these questions is centred on an exploration of multi-level embeddedness of women's entrepreneurial actions through an institutional theory lens. This research adopts a qualitative research design informed by the interpretivist paradigm that concerns the emergent nature of a phenomenon embedded in the entrepreneurial process. Data were collected from a sample of 35 women entrepreneurs through in-depth interviews and were thematically analysed to reach to the 'essence' of the entrepreneurs' 'lived experiences'. Findings reveal that the intricate interplay of social class, family system and the life cycle stage of women shape the relational and structural embeddedness and entrepreneurial actions. More specifically, this research finds that women's intentions to enterprise are deeply rooted in the family's perception of desirability of the entrepreneurial behaviour, that women's ability to 'negotiate' inter and intra-household gender-power dynamics prove to be one of the critical antecedents of venture creation, and that synchronisation of personal preferences with familial ~d social norms shapes growth aspirations and processes of women entrepreneurs in Peshawar.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Srinivasan, Mallika. "Differences in Risk-Taking, Communication and Leadership Styles between Male and Female Entrepreneurs." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2015. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1095.

Full text

Abstract:

Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly important to the success of global economies. As a result, this paper assesses the similarities and differences between male and female entrepreneurs in facets that are fundamental to the practice; risk-tolerance, communication and leadership styles. Literature on the subject suggests that men and women differ in these three aspects. Men emerge as entrepreneurs more frequently than women, which has partially been accredited to socialization. Moreover, women are exposed to fewer social and financial resources and opportunities. However, the data suggest that women are equally capable as entrepreneurs. This paper analyzes the interaction of innate psychological qualities and societal influences in the context of entrepreneurship. It proceeds to provide implications and suggestions in order to increase gender diversity and provide equal opportunity.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Rönnberg, Louise, and Carl Tingström. "Possibilities and obstacles for Palestinian women entrepreneurs in agricultural micro enterprises." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Företagsekonomi, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-130524.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Women partaking in businesses as entrepreneurs is a field getting increased attention in Palestine. Women’s underutilized economic potential along with entrepreneurial activity as a key driver behind economic progress, make the field of women entrepreneurship in Palestine a matter of importance. The agricultural sector is one of the larger for Palestinian women employment, which is why it might attract aspiring entrepreneurs. With investments from Palestinian authorities as well as NGOs, directed towards developing Palestinian women entrepreneurship, one could argue that the opportunities for women to become entrepreneurs exist. But what is the opinion of the women entrepreneurs themselves regarding existing possibilities and obstacles?Purpose of the study: To examine the process for women entrepreneurs of establishing and running micro companies in the agricultural sector on the West Bank in order to highlight the possibilities and obstacles that they experience.Methodological framework: The study had a qualitative approach in which we conducted semi-structured interviewes with eleven women entrepreneurs, active in agriculture.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that women enter entrepreneurship out of necessity as well as reasons more connected to self fulfilment and grasping at possibly profitable business opportunities. Previous experience in agriculture affected both the willingness to start a business and proved helpful for the entrepreneurial success. Notable challenges were found in marketing, legal matters and the physically tiring work. Most of our respondents did not concentrate on developing the support activities connected to their businesses, directing more of their attention towards primary activities. Our respondents also made use of networks, spanning from private connections to professional contacts.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Wen-Thornton, Yan. "A longitudinal study of the motivations of women entrepreneurs in a transitional and developing economy : the case of China." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/9602.

Full text

Abstract:

This research is a pioneering longitudinal study of Chinese women entrepreneurs that focuses specifically on the government economic reform period of 1980 to the present. The study makes a significant contribution to entrepreneurship studies and it contributes to our knowledge of women entrepreneurship in transitional economies. The study investigates the drivers that influence and factors associated with Chinese women's entrepreneurial success in China. The research also explores the motivations of Chinese women entrepreneurs in starting-up their business in the reform periods across the last three decades. A total of nine Chinese women entrepreneurs in three groups who set up their own business in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s were investigated for an in-depth interview, using narrative approaches, in a qualitative research methodology. How Chinese culture, government policy and massive domestic market demand have influenced Chinese women’s entrepreneurial identity and motivation are the main outcomes of the project. Additionally, the barriers, family issues and effects of relationships were uncovered during this research.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Qian, Fang, and Anina Luoma. "what drives women into entrepreneurship? : A study of women's motivation to be entrepreneurs in Southwestern Finland." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Centre for Innovation Systems, Entrepreneurship and Growth, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-9403.

Full text

Abstract:

With high recognized importance of women and entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurship has been attached almost everywhere, and the connection between motivation and venture creation is discussed among women in small businesses.

Purpose

To reflect the determinants of being a women entrepreneur based on an integrated framework from psychology, sociology, and economics.

Method

Qualitative research is used. Interview and observation are conducted with five women entrepreneurs, face-to-face, understanding the complex, personal topics about their businesses motivation.

Conclusions

Entrepreneurs are motivated into entrepreneurship for different factors; in this study, we examined background, personal and situational factors. Motivation to entrepreneurship should research on individual level, including different scientific and environmental approaches, because the final decision to become motivated into entrepreneurship is made on individual level.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Mackin, Ann Marie. "How did they do it? A phenomenological study of successful women entrepreneurs in Salt Lake City." Thesis, Pepperdine University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3666205.

Full text

Abstract:

Salt Lake City, Utah, is recognized as the most entrepreneurially oriented city in the United States, fostering and nurturing small businesses owners to achieve success. Women in Salt Lake City start more businesses than do men, yet women struggle to survive. This study first presents nine successful Salt Lake City women entrepreneurs and how they got started in and grew their unique business and sustained them for extended periods. The participants were profiled as to the motivations and circumstances that led them to begin their businesses. Second, the strategies they employed to overcome challenges and obstacles they faced in the growth phase of their businesses are presented. Finally, the researcher presents information on how these nine women entrepreneurs sustained their businesses for many years.

This qualitative, phenomenological exploration of women entrepreneurs utilized two data collection methods: personal interviews and observations of their business operations. The nine women participants were purposefully selected to represent a cross-section of industries in an effort to provide rich, stratified data. The questions were designed and validated to elicit candid, authentic recollections of their lived experiences as entrepreneurs. One-on-one, personal interviews were conducted at each participant's place of business to capture the essence of the businesses and provide context of the nature of the enterprise.

This study resulted in four conclusions. First, the circumstances and motivations for these Salt Lake City entrepreneurs mirrored the intentions of similar populations; importantly, these women expertly juggled their family considerations with the demands of their businesses. Second, this group experienced little gender bias. Notably, they relied on their personal expertise, management backgrounds, and personal financial resources to make their firms a success. Third, this group did not rely on outside mentors, advisors, or counselors to propel their firms forward. Fourth, this group of Utah women created strong, dynamic, internal processes that ensured superior customer service, the single most important factor in their collective success. In summary, this study may be helpful current and future entrepreneurs as it has examined the personal biographies as well as the contextual and regional influences of these exceptional women entrepreneurs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Stander, Cornelia Johanna. "Exploring women entrepreneurship in selected areas in South Africa / Stander C.J." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/7565.

Full text

Abstract:

It is vital that a culture of entrepreneurship is developed in order to unleash the economic potential of all people in South Africa. However, because of the South African woman’s inherited gender role and historical imbalances, women entrepreneurs are faced with unique challenges and barriers when attempting to establish and grow their own businesses. Thus, this study investigated the unique challenges and barriers faced by women when conducting entrepreneurial activities. The literature study provided background information on entrepreneurship in general as well as information on the importance of entrepreneurship to the economy and constraints of entrepreneurship. The woman entrepreneur was explored in terms of her characteristics, motivation to become an entrepreneur and the unique challenges she had to face. The empirical study consisted of a questionnaire developed by the North– West University, specifically the Potchefstroom Business School situated on the Potchefstroom Campus. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed and 87 were fully completed and collected, which resulted in a response rate of 72.5%. The data collected was statistically analysed using Statistica 10 (Statsoft, 2011). The data from questionnaires was coded and investigated and then transformed to useful outputs such as frequency tables. The frequency tables were used to draw conclusions and to make recommendations regarding the development of women entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Punkari, Liisa, and Edman Fanny Lange. "The role of female entrepreneurs in a changing society : Investigating a business field that has experienced rapid change during the past decades." Thesis, Jönköping University, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-52892.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Female entrepreneurship has been through a big upswing during the past decades. More women are deciding to start their own business and engage in the business creation world, which is proven to be one of the most important and fast-growing aspects of entrepreneurship worldwide. However, in the past, females who made such decisions have faced many obstacles and resistance in terms of treatment, financial support and combining working and family life. Further, previous research regarding female entrepreneurship and its correlation to societal change proves that the progression is affected by external factors such as governmental institutions, attitudes and fundamental assets (first developed by Baumol in 1990). Purpose: By identifying certain rapid changes that society has been through during the past decades, the purpose of this study is to highlight what these developments mean for female entrepreneurs and their current role in a changing society. Method: This is a qualitative research based on an inductive approach where semi-structured interviews are the foundation of its empirical findings. The method has adopted the Gioia (2012) method with the purpose of identifying patterns and themes that can generate useful conclusions on the chosen topic. Conclusion: The findings show that digitalization and technology have been two of the most significant changes in society during the past decades. These have generated more role models, new social networks, better communication and new entrepreneurial fields - all promoting the growth of female entrepreneurship. Combining work and family life seem to be primarily an obstacle and it is no longer a huge disadvantage to be a female when starting a new business. Its developments have resulted in new advantages for investments and gaining opportunities, as well as new entrepreneurial fields.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Gaggioli, Sabina. "Mentoring Experiences Among Female Public Relations Entrepreneurs: A Qualitative Investigation." Scholar Commons, 2011. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/3109.

Full text

Abstract:

This phenomenological study expands from current mentoring literature within the mass communication field in understanding how mentoring can contribute to the successful careers of public relations entrepreneurial women. While many scholars indicate that mentoring is effective for women, the present study describes how mentoring has affected the women participants' public relations careers and personal lives. In-depth interviews focused on following five research questions: What have been the key contributing factors in the success of public relations women entrepreneurs? How has mentoring helped the women participants achieve their goals in a public relations career and in starting their own company? Which mentoring strategy (formal or informal) is perceived as being most effective? Do women benefit more from having a women mentor versus male? What motivating reasons attributed the public relations women participants to undertake their own business? The qualitative interview data generated six common themes which are: (1) networking, mentoring, building key relationships and a strong work ethic as being key to their success, (2) career mentoring from university faculty members and/or Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) as an integral part in the commencement of their public relations careers, (3) mentoring affirmed their self-worth, (4) informal mentoring being perceived as more beneficial due to the long lasting relationship that follows, (5) male mentors being as effective as female mentors relative to career issues, although women provide both career and psychological mentoring, and (6) mentoring, lack of employment opportunities, and a better work-life balance being the three main key contributing factors in women professionals starting their own public relations company.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Church, Maria Ana. "Brazilian Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring Strategies for Building Sustainable Business Organizations." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1402.

Full text

Abstract:

Brazilians create an average of 1.2 million new registered enterprises annually, but some struggle to keep their business in operation. Thirty percent of the new ventures are unable to survive the first year, and 58% go out of business after the first 5 years. The goal of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of Brazilian women entrepreneurs concerning the strategies needed to build sustainable business organizations in Brazil. The individual concepts of sustainable development, sustainability, business strategies, and business models served as the theoretical foundations for the study. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 20 women entrepreneurs engaged in a range of sustainable or green businesses in Brazil. Moustakas' modified van Kaam analysis method was used to analyze the data. Major themes identified were sustainability trends, health concern solutions, environmental and social distress solutions, cooperatives, and institutional support. Results are significant to all small business communities and entrepreneurs of Brazil because of the high rate of business failures and the need for sustainable business practices. Findings indicated that implementing value-added business strategies through sustainability may increase the likelihood of continued business financial capability. The implications for positive social change are the potential benefits to small business entrepreneurs in the developing world. By learning and implementing the economic, social, and environmental principles of sustainability, entrepreneurs could increase revenue from improved business practices and extend the life of their companies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Muir, Elizabeth Jean. "Enterprising women in the European Union : redefining entrepreneurship, redefining 'woman'." Thesis, University of Bristol, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1983/15e06c46-67ce-4f41-91c7-f215dc0161e1.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Botha, Melodi. "Measuring the effectiveness of the women entrepreneurship programme, as a training intervention, on potential, start-up and established women entrepreneurs in South Africa." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11152006-154856.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Topimin, S. "Government intervention in women entrepreneurship development : opportunities and challenges for Bumiputera women entrepreneurs (BWEs) in the handicraft industry in Malaysia." Thesis, Nottingham Trent University, 2015. http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27893/.

Full text

Abstract:

This study provides insights into the influences of government intervention on the business survival of Bumiputera women entrepreneurs in the handicraft industry in Malaysia in which Bumiputera refers to the indigenous people and the largest population group in the country. The Malaysian handicraft industry is largely made up of Bumiputera women entrepreneurs (BWEs). While very little is known about how BWEs in the handicraft industry in Malaysia manage the survival of their businesses, the impact of the government’s initiatives on BWEs’ business survival process remains largely unexplored. To explore these arguments, this study investigates the business survival experiences of BWEs in the handicraft industry in Sabah, Malaysia: the leading state in the country in terms of handicraft producers. This study adopts an interpretative approach and uses semi-structured interviews as the main data collection technique in exploring the perceptions and views of 21 BWEs and five government officials (GOs) on government entrepreneurial support programmes (GESPs). All interviews were recorded but with participant’s permission. Two additional data collection methods: documentary analysis and observations were utilised; thus, improving the triangulation of the findings. The findings show that BWEs’ business survival is a complex process that is influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors which stem from three different aspects: personal, organisational and institutional. While endogenous factors relate to BWEs’ personal and organisational aspects, exogenous factors refer to four institutional environments: family, social, political and GESPs. The important dimensions that emerged are the significance of the collectivist culture of Malaysia in influencing BWEs’ business survival and the political privileges that influence BWEs’ access to GESPs. This study revealed that government organisations appear to be the dominant source of external support for BWEs in the handicraft industry in Malaysia. However, the way the GESPs are designed, implemented and evaluated do not reflect the business needs of BWEs. This study adds to the body of knowledge on women’s business survival by providing empirical evidence from a Malaysian perspective. The findings demonstrate how the Malaysian collectivist culture is relevant in minimising BWEs’ patriarchal pressures, thus bringing further insights to the gender and women’s entrepreneurship literature. Finally, this study highlights the significance of the political privileges that hinder BWEs access to GESPs whilst also encouraging the establishment of women-only entrepreneurial support programmes, contributing to the literature on institutional influences on women’s entrepreneurship research.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

McDowell, Melissa. "African American Women Bloggers’ Lived Experiences with Digital Entrepreneurship: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study." ScholarWorks, 2020. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7699.

Full text

Abstract:

The professionalization of blogs has elevated blogging to an organizational field whereby bloggers develop a legitimate career path. For many minority women bloggers, the transition from being traditionally employed to managing a one-person digital enterprise is often met with racial and gender imbalances created by nontraditional modes of work. The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to gain a deeper understanding of how African American women bloggers described their lived experiences with managing a one-person digital enterprise and the implications of their racial and gender identity within this nontraditional mode of work. To address this gap, a transcendental phenomenological method was used to collect data from African American women bloggers. This study was framed by 3 key concepts focused on African American women bloggers: Brydges and Sj00F6holm’s concept of personal style blogger, Martinez Dy et al’s concept of women digital entrepreneurs, and Gabriel’s concept of Black female identity online. Data were gathered using 9 virtual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the modified Van Kaam method. Eight themes emerged when answering the research question. The findings of the research showed that being an African American woman blogger means conducting entrepreneurial activity, working towards financial solvency, being proud of racial identity, and creating and delivering content as a blogger. Results gleaned from this transcendental phenomenological study may help promote social change by bringing awareness to policymakers on the issues of equity, access, and opportunity for marginalized populations who seek to become digital entrepreneurs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Foster, Delores Duncan. "Women Entrepreneurs: Keys to Successful Business Development and Sustainability Beyond Five Years." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2816.

Full text

Abstract:

Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing entrepreneurial populations, accounting for 8 million of the 28 million small businesses in the United States. Small businesses fail at a rate of 55% by the 5th year of operation and women, who own over 30% of all small businesses, contribute significantly to the 55% small business failure rate. Using Schumpeter's framework, this single exploratory case study investigated how women entrepreneurial small business owners use strategies to sustain their business operation beyond 5 years. A purposeful sample identified 2 women salon small business owners located in the Macon, Georgia metro area. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and a review of company documents. Three emergent themes were identified using Yin's 5 step analytic strategy approach: motivation for business start-ups, which included the motivation, skills, and education needed for business sustainability; success factors, which included innovation and the overall business environment, and employee and customer satisfaction which included customer and human relations. The impact of these practices can enhance social change by contributing to the sustainability and profitability of the organization which can enhance the economic security of the family, community, and the nation. New knowledge from this study could impact entrepreneurship success strategies and increase the number of women-owned businesses beyond the first 5 years of operation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Jolosheva, Aida A. 1984. "Entrepreneurship and Microfinance: Economic Development and Women's Empowerment in Kyrgyzstan." Thesis, University of Oregon, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1794/10650.

Full text

Abstract:

xi, 105 p. : ill., maps. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
This thesis focuses on microfinance in Kyrgyzstan as a response to the initiation of economic, social and political reforms following Kyrgyzstan's independence in 1991. These reforms accelerated Kyrgyzstan's transition from a centrally-planned to a liberal market-based economy. Microfinance became a favored mechanism for encouraging individual entrepreneurship and thus economic development. Based on field research I conducted in Kyrgyzstan during the summer of 2009, this thesis examines the economic impact of these reforms on women entrepreneurs, as women were particularly vulnerable to the social fallout from such reforms. Through participatory observation, small focus groups and semi-structured interviews, I analyze myriad aspects of the lives of women entrepreneurs who have participated in a microfinance project. I argue that microfinance provides an empowering, sustainable path for them. However, the historical occupational divisions encouraged by the Soviet Union affect how people use microcredit. I conclude with suggestions on improving microfinance practices in Kyrgyzstan.
Committee in Charge: Dr. Anita M. Weiss, Chair; Dr. Laura Leete; Dr. Shankha Chakraborty

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Johansson, Sanna, and Amalia Sjindjapkin. "The Socially Empowering Impact of Entrepreneurship: A Study on Urban Ugandan Women." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för samhällsstudier (SS), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-39821.

Full text

Abstract:

Gender equality and women empowerment are two of the most up-to-date concerns on the international arena today. Several methods are being adopted with the aim to allow women’s equal social, economic and political participation. Entrepreneurship has been highlighted as a useful tool to foster women’s empowerment and hence the promotion of entrepreneurship has become a prominent approach in modern development efforts. In Uganda, women constitute the majority of the informal labour force and are widely engaged in micro-business activities. Thus, this ethnographically inspired research aimed to assess if entrepreneurship can contribute to increased social power among female entrepreneurs in urban and suburban Kampala, Uganda. To do this, John Friedmann’s (Dis)empowerment model has been used as the main frame of interpretation. To fit into the context of women, it has been complemented with a gender analysis in order to identify the structural inequalities that may constrain the empowering impact of entrepreneurship. This research was carried out as a field study in Kampala City and in three Kampala suburbs: Kyaliwajjala, Kireka and Kinawataka. It was financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and was conducted during nine weeks in September-November 2014. In total, 45 interviews were carried out with local business women as well as with local representatives and stakeholders in women entrepreneurship and women empowerment. The conclusions drawn from this study is that entrepreneurship has contributed to increased social power among the women participating in this research, but that traditional gender norms and structures can constrain the empowering process. Greater economic responsibilities have not eased women’s obligations in the domestic sphere and thus created a double burden.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Damsten, Erica, and Lee Hasselgren. "What to Expect as a Female Entrepreneur in a Male-dominated Field : A Case Study on Gender Equality in a Swedish Incubator." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Företagsekonomi, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-172597.

Full text

Abstract:

The Swedish entrepreneurial environment is a heavily male-dominated field characterized by unequal conditions, a significant gender gap, and discriminatory practices. Research is filled with contradictory arguments discussing how gender is not an issue in the world of entrepreneurship, when in fact this conceals gender equality issues that are still prevalent today. This study aimed to describe and explain, from an incubator perspective, the challenges and opportunities that arise from working with gender equality in entrepreneurship. The purpose was also to study the effects these efforts have on the ventures partaking in the incubator’s program, as well as their perceptions of it. Based on a literature review of gender equality in entrepreneurship, a qualitative approach deemed necessary to explain the complexity of this issue. This research performed a case study on one Swedish incubator consisting of two samples. Data was collected through in-depth interviews held with the incubator team and online questionnaires were distributed to some ventures currently partaking in the incubator program, as well as to some alumni. The results indicated that there were more challenges than opportunities involved in working with gender equality in entrepreneurship. The most frequently addressed challenges for female entrepreneurs related to contexts of receiving financial aid from investors, the unequal opportunities given by supporting actors such as advisors, banks, lawyers etc., and the effect of gender stereotypes. In the analysis it was identified that women’s unequal opportunities consisted of, among others, women receiving different questions than men, having to defend their ideas to a larger extent, and consistently being viewed in a traditional manner concerning family-care constraints. However, many of the identified challenges for female entrepreneurs could be used in favor of the incubator. Meaning that the incubator could turn the challenges into opportunities for helping female entrepreneurs in their incubator program. For instance, the incubator can help reduce the barriers for entrepreneurs who want to pursue industries typically dominated by the opposite gender, this in turn would create a larger diversity across industries. The incubator had a positive influence on the ventures and their perceptions indicate that equal conditions are provided between the genders. The relationship was difficult to fully describe and explain as the incubator’s gender equality work was novel. Future research could investigate more in-depth the underlying reasons why gender inequality issues still pertain, but also more about what actions could be done to address the issues.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Norrlander, Jens, and Anell Per Andersson. "Can Micro Credits Contribute To Poverty Alleviation? : A study of female entrepreneurs in Vietnam." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Management and Economics, 2001. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-976.

Full text

Abstract:

Introduction: Poverty is today a global problem which is getting more and more attention. Organisations as UNDP, OECD and World Bank have a common target of cutting poverty in half by year 2015. But if this target is going to be feasible it is important to understand poverty. Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen argues that standard of living should be expressed in quality of life not in terms of quantity of goods and other economic factors. Sen has developed theories concerning poverty that is commonly used in today debate. One way to diminish poverty is microfinance. Microfinance is small loans given to poor people as a way for them to start or develop a business of some kind. Microfinance programs often combine the loans with education and social activities. Aim: Investigate if microfinance can contribute to permanent poverty alleviation, develop a model and apply it in rural Vietnam. The following questions will help to achieve our aim: - How do microfinance effect poor women in rural Vietnam? - What happens if one applies Amartya Sen's theories of poverty in rural Vietnam?

Results: Microfinance is a good tool in the struggle to diminishing poverty. We found many examples where microfinance had improved the women’s life in different areas. But to make the microfinance even more effective it is important it is effective education and right members participating. Under ideal circumstances the process of microfinance work as in the NORAN-model, however in reality it is not so easy. But if you are aware of the problems and try to avoid them, microfinance can help many women. Thus our conclusion is that microfinance certainly can and already do contribute to permanent poverty alleviation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Ferreira, Juliane Borges. "Empreendedorismo feminino em Santa Catarina : um estudo a partir do relato de mulheres participantes do prêmio SEBRAE." Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, 2012. http://tede.udesc.br/handle/handle/109.

Full text

Abstract:

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-01T19:18:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 114590.pdf: 4049717 bytes, checksum: 40f52de3d80827347dd6002b351ea75c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-07-09
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
O empreendedorismo é um fator de influência para o crescimento regional, responsável pela criação de emprego e renda, e, por isso, tem recebido muita atenção de estudiosos da área. O processo empreendedor realizado pelas mulheres, além dos traços característicos ao tema, aborda, ainda, questões específicas do gênero feminino. Este trabalho buscou o aprofundamento sobre o tema, tendo como objeto de análise as mulheres empreendedoras de Santa Catarina, seus empreendimentos e os principais fatores relacionados com o processo empreendedor. O objetivo geral da pesquisa foi compreender como se caracteriza o empreendedorismo feminino em Santa Catarina, segundo histórias de vida das mulheres participantes do Prêmio SEBRAE Mulher de Negócios. Para tanto, analisou-se as histórias empreendedoras das 86 participantes do Prêmio edição de 2010. Esses relatos foram analisados de forma interpretativa. No delineamento do perfil das mulheres catarinenses, verificou-se que estas são jovens, casadas, possuem filhos e já possuíam experiência profissional prévia, muitas vezes na área que empreendem. Quanto aos empreendimentos criados, destacam-se os voltados a atividade de comércio e serviços. No processo empreendedor o planejamento inicial da futura empresa foi, na maior parte dos casos, suprimido. Quanto aos recursos utilizados para constituírem essas empresas, observou-se que são originados de economias pessoais e familiares. Como dificuldades são apontados aspectos pessoais da vida das empreendedoras e a gerência do negócio, sendo as questões financeiras e de mercado as mais graves. Outro problema enfrentado pelas empreendedoras é a falta de confiança depositada nelas, assim como o conflito pessoal, familiar e empresarial, sendo dimensões conflitantes na vida dessas mulheres, pois concorrem por sua atenção. Por fim, a influência das redes no processo empreendedor feminino recebe destaque, visto que fornece suporte ao longo de toda a vida da empresa constituída.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi. "The participation of women entrepreneurs in local economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Salim, Al Mazro'ei Lubna Badar. "Questioning women's empowerment through tourism entrepreneurship opportunities : the case of Omani women." Thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, 2017. http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/995563.

Full text

Abstract:

This thesis adopts critical feminist theory, which is a combination of both critical theory and feminist theory, to explore the nature and experiences of Omani women involved in tourism entrepreneurship with particular regard to empowerment. Several studies have identified the potential role of tourism entrepreneurship to empower women due to the many benefits that it provides. However, this potential, and the extent that it empowers women, has been questioned. A review of the literature on women in tourism entrepreneurship reveals that there are several issues that have theoretical and practical implications for women's empowerment through this activity. Furthermore, a review of the development studies literature indicates that there are many prevailing issues and debates surrounding the concept of women's empowerment thatmerit further investigation. The fieldwork for this research took place in Oman during 2013-‐2014 and included an examination of a hosting group, sewing group and a number of women tourism entrepreneurs. Participant observations and semi-structured/unstructured interviews were conducted to collect information about these women. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected information and to develop three ethnographic case studies. The findings of this research reveal that tourism entrepreneurship does not inevitably bring about empowerment for Omani women. It is far from being an activity for women's individual and collective empowerment, given that the scope for such remains dependent on the embedded environment and is influenced by the nature of tourism enterprise work. An empirically informed conceptual framework was developed from the data to present this phenomenon. A grounded conceptualization was also developed from the data to conceptualize the process of women's empowerment for Omani women in tourism entrepreneurship. Theoretical implications of the findings areidentified in relation to the appropriate use of the concept of women's empowerment in tourism research. Practical implications of the findings are also identified in relation to local and international tourism organisations that utilises tourism entrepreneurship opportunities for women's empowerment purposes.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Women/female entrepreneurs/entrepreneurship'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles