To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Women-owned business enterprises Businesswomen.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Women-owned business enterprises Businesswomen'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Women-owned business enterprises Businesswomen.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Salie, Najmiea. "The role of Muslim women in family businesses." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020171.
Full textAbstract:
The primary research objective of this treatise is to determine the role of Muslim women in family businesses. Muslim women actively participate in various private and public sectors of the economy as well as in family businesses. The literature review discusses the family business and its definitions and portrayed the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses. Furthermore, the research explored women in family business and investigated common reasons for joining the family business as well as conflict and success planning experienced by the women in the family business. Thereafter, the literature review discussed the Muslim women in family businesses and highlighted the background of the history of Muslim women in Islam. The Muslim women and their rights in Islam were presented followed by the rules of hijab. An overview of Muslim women in the history of Islam of the past and in the current economy was completed. The literature review then discussed the Muslim women in business and concluded with the Muslim women and their role in family businesses. The research methodology and research design literature lead to a qualitative research strategy being adopted to determine the role of Muslim women in family businesses. A questionnaire was designed and participants from the local Muslim business community who live in Port Elizabeth were approached to participate in the research treatise. The participants were initially contacted telephonically followed by an interview session where the questionnaire was used as a guide to the interview. The main purpose of the structured questionnaire was to determine sufficient data for adequate analysis of the research problem. The data were analysed and recommendations were made to address the primary research objective. The findings presented highlighted the role of Muslim women in family businesses. During the research further opportunities for research were presented, particularly to determine the impact of the Muslim daughter in family business is recommended for future research.
2
McCord, Mary Alice. "Training needs of pre-venture female entrepreneurs." Virtual Press, 1994. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/917829.
Full textAbstract:
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
3
Probst, Anke. "Helene Amalie Krupp eine Essener Unternehmerin um 1800 /." Wiesbaden ; Stuttgart : Franz Steiner, 1985. http://books.google.com/books?id=3S80AAAAMAAJ.
Full text
4
Lin, Jiebin. "An anthropological study of the relationship between a female entrepreneur and her family in Japan." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2008. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B41634172.
Full text
5
Oostenbrink, Marlizanne. "The influence of human and social capital on the strategic entrepreneurial behaviour of businesswomen." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/20350.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the type of decision-making approaches used by businesswomen, both intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, under conditions of uncertainty, and how the human and social capital they possess influence their strategic entrepreneurial behaviour (SEB). Entrepreneurial decision making often takes place under uncertain conditions, in which rational models provide little guidance for decision makers. Effectuation is proposed as an alternative decision model to rationality, particularly for emerging opportunities. Although some exploratory work has been conducted on this school of thought, research gaps remain. Particularly, there is a lack of research on businesswomen, despite the fact that they are an important group of entrepreneurs within the economy with great potential to contribute to economic growth, development and employment generation. The study population was South African businesswomen, and the membership register of the South African Businesswomen's Association (BWA) was used as a sampling frame. An online survey was sent to all members and a total of 269 usable responses were obtained. Data were analysed with SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate there are no significant differences between the decisionmaking approaches of intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, and that they use both effectuation and causation when shaping and implementing new initiatives, while the literature argues that these two approaches are distinct and dichotomous. In using a causal approach, the respondents value planning and a systematic approach to new, uncertain projects, although they realise the benefit of flexibility and of limiting the downside loss to their decisions; therefore they also incorporate elements of effectual logic. Furthermore, businesswomen's ability to cultivate relationships plays an integral role in the SEB process for both effectuation and causation, with businesswomen emphasising their relationships with key stakeholders. Concerning businesswomen's human capital, the study finds that self-efficacy plays an important role in terms of businesswomen's confidence, and that it has an impact on both SEB decision-making approaches. Several theoretical, practical and educational implications arise from these findings. Theoretically, this study contributes to the decision-making literature by showing that businesswomen utilise both decision-making styles and do not merely rely on one or the other. Furthermore, it also shows that relationship cultivation and self-efficacy are significantly related to both SEB approaches. Practically, both businesswomen and other stakeholders, such as financial institutions, should recognise the relevance and importance of using both styles and not stress causation above effectuation, as is the case currently. Furthermore, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which is relevant for both approaches to SEB, can be raised through investing in targeted training and education in female entrepreneurship. For entrepreneurship educators, these findings emphasise that courses should incorporate both decision-making styles and that these skills should be developed in students. Business management students should be taught that, while logical, planned and prediction-based causal approaches are appropriate under stable conditions, effectuation provides resources to approach uncertain conditions more effectively. In addition, entrepreneurial initiatives with a low degree of innovativeness also would be more suited to a predictive, casual approach, while initiatives with a higher degree of innovativeness would benefit from using effectual principles.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die besluitnemingsmetodes van sakevroue, beide intrapreneurs en entrepreneurs, onder omstandighede van onsekerheid te bepaal en te bestudeer hoe die menslike en sosiale kapitaal wat hulle besit hul strategiese entrepreneuriese gedrag (SEG) beïnvloed. Entrepreneuriese besluitneming vind dikwels onder onsekere omstandighede plaas waar rasionele modelle min leiding aan besluitnemers verskaf. Effektuasie ("effectuation") word voorgestel as 'n alternatiewe besluitnemingsmodel tot rasionaliteit, spesifiek vir ontluikende geleenthede. Hoewel daar reeds verkennende navorsing in die veld gedoen is, is daar steeds navorsingsgapings. Daar is veral 'n tekort aan navorsing oor sakevroue ten spyte van die feit dat hulle een van die belangrikste groepe entrepreneurs binne die ekonomie is, met groot potensiaal om 'n bydrae tot ekonomiese groei, ontwikkeling en werkskepping te lewer. Die studiebevolking was Suid-Afrikaanse sakevroue, en die lederegister van die Suid-Afrikaanse Sakevrouevereniging (BWA) is as steekproefraamwerk gebruik. 'n Aanlynopname is aan al die lede gestuur en 'n totaal van 269 bruikbare antwoorde is ontvang. Data is ontleed met behulp van SPSS deur gebruik te maak van beskrywende en inferensiële statistiese tegnieke. Die bevindinge dui aan dat daar geen betekenisvolle verskil tussen die besluitnemingsbenaderings van intrapreneurs en entrepreneurs is nie en dat beide effektuasie ("effectuation") en kousaliteit ("causation") in die vorming en implementering van nuwe inisiatiewe gebruik word. Volgens die literatuur is hierdie twee besluitnemingsbenaderings egter duidelik onderskeibaar. In die gebruik van 'n kousale ("causal") benadering heg die respondente waarde aan beplanning en 'n sistematiese benadering tot nuwe, onseker projekte. Hulle besef egter die voordeel van buigsaamheid en die beperking van besluite wat met kousaliteit gepaard gaan; hulle neem dus ook elemente van effektuasie-logika in ag. Verder speel sakevroue se vermoë om verhoudings te kweek 'n integrale rol in die SEG-proses vir beide effektuasie ("effectuation") en kousaliteit ("causation"), met sakevroue wat hulle verhoudings met sleutel rolspelers beklemtoon. Met betrekking tot sakevroue se menslike kapitaal het die studie gevind dat self-doeltreffendheid 'n belangrike rol in terme van sakevroue se vertroue speel en dat dit 'n impak op beide SEGbesluitnemingsbenaderings het. Verskeie teoretiese, praktiese en opvoedkundige implikasies ontstaan uit hierdie bevindinge. Teoreties het hierdie studie bygedra tot besluitnemings-literatuur deur aan te toon dat sakevroue gebruik maak van albei besluitnemingstyle en nie net op een staatmaak nie. Die studie het ook gevind dat die kweek van verhoudings, asook selfdoeltreffendheid, beduidend verband hou met beide SEG-benaderings. Prakties moet sakevroue en ander belanghebbendes, soos finansiële instellings, die toepaslikheid en belangrikheid van die gebruik van beide style herken, en nie op kousaliteit klem lê bo effektuasie nie. Verder kan entrepreneuriese selfdoeltreffendheid, wat vir beide benaderings tot SEG relevant is, verhoog word deur in geteikende opleiding en onderrig oor vroulike entrepreneurskap te belê. Vir entrepreneurskapopvoeders beklemtoon hierdie bevindinge dat kursusse beide besluitnemingstyle in ag moet neem en dat hierdie vaardighede in studente ontwikkel moet word. Ondernemingsbestuurstudente moet leer dat hoewel logiese, beplande en voorspellingsgebaseerde kousaliteitsbenaderings onder stabiele omstandighede toepaslik is, effektuasie maniere bied om onsekere situasies meer effektief te benader. Entrepreneuriese inisiatiewe met 'n lae graad van innovasie is meer geskik vir 'n voorspellende, kousale benadering, terwyl inisiatiewe met 'n hoër mate van innovasie voordeel sal trek uit die gebruik van effektuasiebeginsels.
6
Van, Niekerk G. D. "Stakeholder experiences of the ILIMA Trust's coaching and mentoring of women small- and medium- enterprise owners." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95599.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.Low economic growth, high unemployment and debilitating poverty pose a major threat to the social fabric of South Africa. Entrepreneurship and the establishment of small businesses play a key role in stimulating the South African economy, creating jobs, uplifting living standards and overcoming the injustices of poverty. Compared with other developing economies, South Africa (SA) has one of the lowest entrepreneurial activity rates. Women small- and medium- enterprise (SME) owners, and particularly those from previously disadvantaged socio-economic communities, play a vital role in addressing this situation. There are a number of initiatives aimed at building the capacity of women SME owners in SA. The ILIMA Trust is one such initiative which, through its coaching and mentoring programme, supports women SME owners who come from previously disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, to start up and grow their enterprises. The work of the Trust is primarily focused on such women SME owners who receive financial loans from Masisizane, a sister company of the Trust. This research study aims to establish the stakeholder experiences of the ILIMA Trust's coaching and mentoring programme of Masisizane women SME owners and to identify ways in which it can be improved. The case study provides an in-depth description of the stakeholders‟ experiences of the ILIMA Trust's coaching and mentoring of the Masisizane SME owners. Several strengths of the coaching and mentoring programme are reported. Areas of improvement are pointed out and recommendations are made to strengthen the programme.
7
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 textAbstract:
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 TECHNOLOGYThe 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.
8
Agbaw, Margaret Niger-Thomas. ""Buying futures", the upsurge of female entrepreneurship crossing the formal and informal divide in Southwest Cameroon /." Leiden : Research School of Asian, African and Amerindian Studies, Universiteit Leiden, 2000. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/46758493.html.
Full text
9
Billson, Leonie. "Contributions of women to family Business as evidence in the Eastern Cape." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1608.
Full textAbstract:
Family businesses are operating throughout the world and suggested to be the predominant way of doing business. This is also true in South Africa with its unique challenges and informal sector providing work to many South Africans not able to find work in the formal sector. Women operating in the corporate environment have traditionally encountered challenges in breaking through the glass ceiling in order to be counted as a successful person in her own right. The same scenario seems to be evident in the family Business environment. Women in family business might choose the family business career path as it allows them more flexibility and time to attend to the home and children, but they also face a glass ceiling of another nature and are there other challenges to overcome in order to make their mark in the family business world. This study’s primary objective was to investigate the literature pertaining to women in business and women in family business. Of great importance was to determine what contributions women make in the family business environment allowing them to be successful. In order to answer this question the secondary objectives supported the primary objective of this study and pertained to the difference between men and women in terms of leadership style and execution of their personalities in business. The inherent strengths and weaknesses displayed by both male and females in the family business environment are investigated in order to link this to their management execution. v A questionnaire was developed to do an empirical study on respondents as identified in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and greater Eastern Cape. The respondents were from varied industries and was selected and interviewed with the support of the questionnaire structure as guidance. The results were analysed and certain recommendations were made addressing the primary objective. Further recommendations were made relating to future potential research in this area. An important finding of the research is that women as identified in the Eastern Cape environment still have difficulty in reaching the top. This is true for the corporate world as well as the family business environment. The difficulty might be based in the traditional roles women assume, but in many cases it was found that women are responsible for their downfall or stagnation in the family business environment as women are satisfied to remain in the shadows and do not command their own space and right of existence. Recommendations were made based on the advice of some of the female respondents which can assist in women stepping up to the role they should take up. Some of the advice given can be used as a best practice in future research of this nature.
10
Chen, Minglu. "Contemporary tiger girls : women and enterprise in the People's Republic of China, 2003-2005." University of Technology, Sydney. Institute for International Studies, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2100/426.
Full textAbstract:
The existing scholarship on women in China suggests that gender inequality still exists against the background of the country’s reform and opening in recent years. However, the situation of women in enterprise ownership and leadership seems to indicate that under the surface of women being disadvantaged, some of them are playing a more active and significant role in China’s economic development. Based on a series of interviews with women enterprise owners, wives of enterprise owners and women managers conducted in three localities in three difference provinces of China, this research aims to discover the deeper socio-political realities of leading women in enterprises. By analyzing information on these women’s personal experiences, career and families, this thesis investigates their status at work and at home, as well as their connections with local politics. The research results suggest that although traces of gender inequality can still be found in these women’s lives, they appear to be actively engaged in the business establishment and operation and gradually casting off the leash of domestic responsibilities. At the same time, these women have developed strong connections with the Party-state, not necessarily in their own right, but largely through their family ties. The research has also highlighted that the varied socio-economic development of each locality has its effects on these women’s development.
11
Ganesan, Sudha. "Exploring factors contributing to South African women entrepreneurship." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97269.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This report is an exploratory study assessing the life stages of South African women entrepreneurs. The purpose is to share significant learnings, experiences and challenges from an entrepreneurial perspective. The study followed a phenomenological approach; the findings have been formed based on the lived experiences of the women without imposing bias or existing knowledge frameworks. The study aims to share meaningful experiences from their situational contexts. The sample consisted of ten South African women entrepreneurs in various industries. The industries range from packaging, clothing, fast moving consumer goods (food), communications, accommodation, and asset management. Important findings of the study are that having relevant work experience, expertise in their fields, and established reputations within their respective industries assisted the participating women in establishing their businesses. However, the younger entrepreneurs with limited work experience were also able to establish successful enterprises owing to being highly skilled in their areas of expertise. They had chosen to study courses, after identifying their passions. They had specifically chosen courses directly related to the businesses they created in order to improve their expertise further. One participant was an exception to the women entrepreneurs participating. She had started her business with no related work experience and no expertise with regards to her product offering. In her case, passion for her product, upskilling herself, having a support structure, and having access to mentorship, assisted her in overcoming challenges.
12
Carlson, Heidi B. "A study of a minority woman business owner in a non-traditional field." Online version, 1998. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/1998/1998carlsonh.pdf.
Full text
13
Sokabo, Nobenguni B. "Identification and analysis of the factors that influence the development of female entrepreneurs in the informal sector." Thesis, Port Elizabeth Technikon, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/98.
Full textAbstract:
There is a remarkable increase in the participation of females in business activities due to their involvement in the informal sector. These activities appear to be insignificant and not measurable because they are outside the regulatory framework, but they also absorb multitudes of the unemployable. Notwithstanding the challenges of low levels of education, lack of skills and finance as well as the need to balance reproductive and productive roles, females are under pressure to generate income through trading in small scale businesses that can hardly grow beyond subsistence level. With the meagre earnings from their activities, they ensure the survival of their families. If female entrepreneurs are developed and brought into the economic main stream, they will bring with them their unique survivalist techniques that will contribute towards economic development and growth in the country. This report examines the constraints that affect the development of female entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
14
Nsengimana, Simon. "Challenges to women entrepreneurship in Kigali, Rwanda." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2589.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MTech (Business Administration (Entrepreneurship))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Given good conditions, women can run businesses, support their families and the community, and contribute to economic growth. The lack of women’s involvement in entrepreneurship is a huge loss to the nation and society. Women make up 51.83% of the population in Rwanda, but are underrepresented in business – largely due to social customs, religion, and cultural beliefs. Society perceives women as too weak to conduct business, and prefers them to be confined to housekeeping activities and dependency on men. Interestingly, literature indicates that involving women in entrepreneurial activities help. Despite this, women in Rwanda have broken the barrier and started up business. However, they face many challenges; their businesses remain small scale compared to their counterparts. The aim of this study is to determine the challenges experienced by women entrepreneurs in Kigali. This research is significant because it attempts to identify the challenges to entrepreneurship in Kigali, by allowing the voices of women entrepreneurs to be heard. The study uses a quantitative descriptive approach. The target population was women in formal and informal business in the districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge in the city of Kigali. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 398 women entrepreneurs after obtaining their informed written consent. The data was analysed using recent Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Findings were interpreted and discussed in a numerical narrative featuring frequency, percent, valid percent, cumulative percent, mean, and standard deviation. The results show that women entrepreneurs in Kigali experience more challenges, among others including: High shop rentals, lack of start-up capital, lack of collateral to obtain a loan, high taxes, high interest rate and high transport, and a lack of information technology skills. This study has uncovered that women entrepreneurs face a lot of challenges while running their business in Kigali. Fortunately, the solution is within reach. For instance, women entrepreneurs themselves, family, society, government, stakeholder, and researchers should work together to eradicate these challenges. Women entrepreneurs should work together in cooperatives to minimise shop rentals, possible access to capital and so forth. In addition, they can leverage their experience and know-how.
15
Lin, Jiebin, and 林洁彬. "An anthropological study of the relationship between a female entrepreneur and her family in Japan." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2008. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41634172.
Full text
16
Mbaco, Michelle Merle. "Assessing funding availability for small and medium enterprises for women entrepreneurs in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014314.
Full textAbstract:
The study focused on funding availability for small and medium enterprises for women entrepreneurs. In order to do a situational analysis the study was conducted in the Nelson Mandela Metro looking at the operations of Community Investment Fund (CIF) as a case study. The CIF was a partnership between a local non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth and one of the four big banks in the Republic of South Africa. The study investigated the challenges that women as entrepreneurs face in particular. The qualitative approach was used as methodology and the sampling of five (5) of the seventeen (17) women beneficiaries and their businesses were conducted. Given the fact that the Republic of South Africa has a high unemployment rate and the government‟s strategy of providing support for small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), the study provided an opportunity to look at the realities that people with ideas are faced when starting what seemed to be a daunting task of starting a business. The research findings provides conclusive evidence that starting a business in the current economic climate is a difficult task and it is more challenging if you are a woman with no financial securities. It is therefore of imperative importance that an approach to funding and supporting women entrepreneurs be implemented to create much needed jobs in the country and address the gap between the first and second economy.
17
Jacob, Zukeka P. "A study of motivation and performance of women entrepreneurs in Western Cape : South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/5768.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study presents an empirical investigation into the association between motivation and performance of women entrepreneurs in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Motivations behind women starting their own businesses are defined. It assesses the performance of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic growth (turnover, size of business, number of people employed) of the country. By applying statistical evaluation methods (frequency analysis) this research adds to existing knowledge in this field, by defining the association between the intention of starting a business and the performance of their businesses. Analysis shows that the women's motives for starting their businesses are generally positive. However, there are still a high number of women whose motives are influenced by negative factors (such as loss of income sources). Also, the overall performance of their businesses is still low in terms of revenues generated and the number of people that they employ on a full-time basis. Networking levels are high, indicating a desire to succeed. An association between motivation and performance has been established. However, findings have indicated no significant association between the type of motivation (positive or negative) and performance. The present study concludes with recommendations to enable women to improve the performance of their businesses. Findings have indicated a higher level of positive factors of motivation, in comparison with negative factors of motivation; which implies that there are other factors which could be hindering them from improving the economic performance of their businesses.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bied 'n empiriese ondersoek van die verband tussen die motivering en die werkverrigting van vroue entrepreneurs in die Wes Kaap provinsie van Suid-Afrika. Die dryfveer van vroue entrepreneurs word omskryf. Verder assesseer die studie die werkverrigting van vroue entrepreneurs en hulle bydrae tot die ekonomiese groei (arbeidsomset, grootte van die besigheid, getal personeel) van die land. Deur die aanwending van statistiese evaluasiemetodes (frekwensie analise) dra die studie by tot die bestaande kennis in hierdiee studieveld, en word gedoen deur die definieering van die verband tussen die besluit om 'n besigheid te begin en die uiteindelike prestasie van hulle besighede. Analise toon dat die vroue se motiewe vir die begin van hulle besighede gewoonlik positief is. Daar is egter ook nog 'n groot aantal vroue wie se motiewe beinvloed word deur negatiewe faktore (soos verlies van inkomstebronne). Die algehele prestasie van hulle besighede is ook nog swak in terme van inkomste gegenereer en die getal werknemers wat op 'n voltydse basis in diens geneem word. Netwerkvlakke is hoog, wat 'n aanduiding is van die wil om te slaag. 'n Assosiasie tussen motivering en prestasie is vasgestel. Daar is egter gevind dat geen beduidende assosiasie bestaan tussen die tipe motivering (positief of negatief) en prestasie of werkverrigting nie. Die studie sluit af met voorstelle vir die verbetering van prestasie vir vroue aan die hoof van besighede. Bevindinge toon dat in vergelyking met negatiewe motiverende faktore, daar 'n hoer vlak van positiewe faktore is, wat impliseer dat daar ander faktore bestaan wat die ekonomiese prestasie van hulle besighede kan verhinder.
18
Mazubane, Ewart Mphilisi. "A strategic entrepreneurial model to develop females for tourism related businesses." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1188.
Full textAbstract:
Since the inception of the new dispensation, entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the key enablers of economic participation. For this reason the government has established strategic institutions and mandated them to promote entrepreneurship in the country with the aim of increasing economic participation and entrepreneurial activities. One of the key and the fastest growing industries that have been identified as needing attention with regards to increasing participation of the women entrepreneurs is the tourism industry. There is now a noticeable growth of women entrepreneurs in this industry. They are found running bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and conducting tours in urban areas as well as townships and rural areas. This is further evident if one looks at the value chain in the tourism sector. However, women entrepreneurs that are found in this sector are facing specific challenges that hinder their progress towards achieving sustainable businesses, especially those running or intending to run B&B businesses. Some of these challenges are sector related and some are just inherent to pursuing an entrepreneurial journey. The participation of women in the mainstream of entrepreneurship presents unique challenges as well. Women were never allowed to participate fully in the entrepreneurial activities. The latter still contributes to the challenges faced by women in their journey towards developing and operating sustainable businesses irrespective of the industry in which they operate in. Based on the above discussion, the main problem statement of this study is: To develop a strategic entrepreneurial model to enable female entrepreneurs to operate sustainable B&B businesses in the tourism industry.
19
Brown, Ronda. "Gender influences on organizational culture in women owned businesses." Online version, 2003. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2003/2003brownr.pdf.
Full text
20
Lee, Eunju. "Gendered processes : Korean immigrant small business ownership /." New York : LFB Scholarly Pub, 2006. http://www.ebrary.com/.
Full text
21
Chesser, Michele Lee. "Overcoming structures of inequality : a study of the personal networks of minority and female hi-tech business owners /." Digital version accessible at:, 1998. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/main.
Full text
22
Khan, A. N. M. Shibly Noman. "Overcoming gender barriers : social capital, women entrepreneurs and development in Bangladesh /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2006. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe19557.pdf.
Full text
23
Simon, Scott 1965. "Not all in the family : class, gender and nation in the industrialization of Taiwan." Thesis, McGill University, 1998. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=35617.
Full textAbstract:
A study of the Taiwanese leather tanning industry is the basis of a critical reflection on the anthropological literature surrounding Chinese enterprises and a familistic "Chinese entrepreneurial ethic" which supposedly constrains their growth. Data gathered through historical research and in-depth interviews show that the growth of firms in the industry has not been inhibited by a familistic "entrepreneurial ethic." The structure of the industry has been far more influenced by Taiwan's history of incorporation into the world economy and the policies of modernizing governments, both under Japanese (1895--1945) and GMD rule (1945--present). The establishment of a market-friendly institutional context on Taiwan, including private property rights and contract law, has made it possible for some firms to grow from small family enterprises into relatively large corporations. At the firm level, organization of production into family or corporate firms is less influenced by a Chinese cultural essence than by the degree of capitalization available to firms and the type of product they produce.The "entrepreneurial ethic" thesis not only fails to account for the empirical reality of the Taiwanese tanning industry. In the Taiwanese context, the discourse on Chinese family firms has political implications in terms of class, gender and nation on Taiwan. First of all, focus on the family has overlooked class- and gender-based inequalities in such enterprises. in chapters five through seven, therefore, this thesis draws attention to the roles of workers and women in the contemporary Taiwanese economy. Secondly, studies. of Taiwanese society as a reflection of Chinese culture neglect controversies within Taiwan about "Taiwanese identity" and national sovereignty. Chapter eight is thus an discussion of the competing nationalist discourses employed by the state and Taiwanese entrepreneurs. In conclusion, it is argued that cultural explanations of economic behavior have political implications which should be rendered transparent in the social scientific literature.
24
Rodríguez, Reymundo. "The impact of the 76th Legislature on Texas' historically underutilized business (HUB) program /." Digital version accessible at:, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/main.
Full text
25
Dickson, Austin Cartwright. "MBE policy as economic development: an examination of public contracting in Georgia." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/34714.
Full textAbstract:
Many scholars suggest that Minority Business Enterprises help disadvantaged
populations and achieve greater equity in society. Rooted in the affirmative action
policies of the 1960s and 1970s, Minority Business Enterprise designations have become
a standard way for the federal government to assist minority entrepreneurs as well as
protect against discrimination in contracting. Some scholars even suggest that these
policies go beyond protection from discrimination and actually foster economic
development in minority communities. This thesis examines those claims and utilizes an
example from 12 years of the Georgia Department of Transportation's records on
contracting with MBEs to answer the question: who is helped by these federal policies?
This examination sheds light on the current literature linking MBEs with economic
development as well as adds to the sparse literature on outcomes for MBE policy. The
results of data analysis show that , over a 12-year period, White female business
enterprises receive the twice as many contracting dollars as all other Minority Business
Enterprises combined.
26
Stricker, Bette Eckard. "The effects of Department of Defense acquisition reform on women-owned small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 2004. http://library.nps.navy.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/04Dec%5FStricker.pdf.
Full text
27
Van, Niekerd G. D. "Stakeholder experiences of the Ilima trust's coaching and mentoring of women small- and medium- enterprise owners." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21642.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.Low economic growth, high unemployment and debilitating poverty pose a major threat to the social fabric of South Africa. Entrepreneurship and the establishment of small businesses play a key role in stimulating the South African economy, creating jobs, uplifting living standards and overcoming the injustices of poverty. Compared with other developing economies, South Africa (SA) has one of the lowest entrepreneurial activity rates. Women small- and medium- enterprise (SME) owners, and particularly those from previously disadvantaged socio-economic communities, play a vital role in addressing this situation. There are a number of initiatives aimed at building the capacity of women SME owners in SA. The ILIMA Trust is one such initiative which, through its coaching and mentoring programme, supports women SME owners who come from previously disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, to start up and grow their enterprises. The work of the Trust is primarily focused on such women SME owners who receive financial loans from Masisizane, a sister company of the Trust. This research study aims to establish the stakeholder experiences of the ILIMA Trust‟s coaching and mentoring programme of Masisizane women SME owners and to identify ways in which it can be improved. The case study provides an in-depth description of the stakeholders‟ experiences of the ILIMA Trust‟s coaching and mentoring of the Masisizane SME owners. Several strengths of the coaching and mentoring programme are reported. Areas of improvement are pointed out and recommendations are made to strengthen the programme.
28
Roomi, Muhammad. "The role of social capital and human capital in the growth of women-owned enterprises in the United Kingdom." Thesis, Royal Holloway, University of London, 2013. http://repository.royalholloway.ac.uk/items/20680ab9-6d29-4f43-90d2-a2788490b70a/1/.
Full textAbstract:
Research investigating women-owned businesses has developed considerably over the past two decades. There are, however, few British studies that have specifically focussed on growth oriented women-owned businesses. The current study aims to fill this gap. Its purpose is to explore the effect of social capital and human capital on the growth of women-owned enterprises in the UK. The research contributes to the knowledge of women's entrepreneurship as the first to study the moderating role of human capital in building and using social capital in the UK. It develops the theoretical premise that women entrepreneurs with higher human capital gain credibility and centrality in networks, accumulating social capital based on their importance for other network members and their business stakeholders. This mixed method study involves both collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical analysis using SPSS was applied to analyse quantitative data collected through 517 on-line completed questionnaires from three different regions. The qualitative data collected through face to face interviews with 42 women entrepreneurs were also analysed and interpreted. The findings suggest that the social capital possessed by women entrepreneurs plays an important role in the growth of enterprises. Women entrepreneurs use different sources to build and use their social capital at different stages of growth and in different industry sectors such as manufacturing or services. Women entrepreneurs with higher human capital are more likely to identify opportunities, generate ideas and show creative thinking in introducing novel products, services, location, processes or systems, which makes their growth path exponential. There are implications of this study for women entrepreneurs to build and use their social and human capital for the growth of their enterprises. And there are also implications for politicians and business organisations, who must devise policies to develop opportunities for existing or potential women entrepreneurs for building their human based capital.
29
Podges, Joan Winnifred. "The current state of Black female empowerment in the construction industry measured against broad-based Black economic empowerment scorecard." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1161.
Full textAbstract:
The Government of South Africa has placed a lot of emphasis on economic growth and the involvement of Black people in the mainstream of the economy. The implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) created opportunities for direct empowerment of Black females in ownership and management. The Construction Industry is being challenged to increase the number of Black females in management and ownership levels. Due to the nature of the Industry, only a small population of females considers Construction as a career option. The Industry has also lost a significant number of skilled Engineers and is experiencing a shortage of skilled managers in Middle and Senior Management Levels. The research problem questioned the current state of empowerment for Black women in the Construction Industry as measured against the B-BBEE Scorecard. The literature review focused on the requirements of the B-BBEE scorecard and Construction Charter. The second phase focused on gender equality and the achievements of women in Construction. The research design was done by using questionnaires to the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) members in the Eastern Cape. The research design and survey aimed to determine the status of empowerment in the Construction Industry. With reference to both the literature review and the empirical findings the state of female empowerment can be determined. Therefore iv recommendations and opportunities for further research in this regard can be identified.
30
Mushanguri, Mejury. "What challenges are being faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing micro finance services in Zimbabwe." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011765.
Full textAbstract:
The research seeks to explore why women in Zimbabwe still face hindrances in accessing micro finance services and what can be done to meet their needs in a more holistic and effective way. Women play a crucial role in the economic development of their families and communities but are faced with certain obstacles that hinder them from performing their role effectively. Such hindrances as poverty, unemployment, low household income and societal discrimination. UNIFEM (1992) confirms that the majority of the world‟s poor have a predominantly female face and argues that women earn only 10 percent of world‟s income and own less than 10 percent of the world‟s property. African women have been characterised by the lack of empowerment caused by societal perceptions and negative cultural practice. In many cases of women rights violation it has been noted that this has been exacerbated by the over reliance on the male counterpart. Development practitioners have noted that micro finance as one of the strategies needed for women empowerment. Despite the concept having been practiced for at least 15 years now, women still face challenges in accessing micro finance services. There is need for Micro Finance Institutions to recognise the position of women in relation to men as actors in society.
31
Bonder, Linda Eve. "Identity Construction and Language Use by Immigrant Women in a Microenterprise Development Program." Thesis, Portland State University, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10141260.
Full textAbstract:
Researchers have explored immigrant identity in various contexts, but few studies have examined identity in low-income immigrant women entrepreneurs. To address this research gap, I conducted in-depth interviews with eight low-income Latino immigrants who were starting their own businesses and receiving support through a local microenterprise development program (MDP). The study explored how participants’ microenterprise efforts affected their identities and their investments in learning English.
The research found that entrepreneurship promoted positive identity construction by providing opportunities for participants to develop personal and cultural pride, strengthened parental roles, and interdependence with the community. These benefits helped participants decrease family stress and increase optimism for the future, regardless of the microenterprises’ financial success. Participants reported that their families were healthier and their children were doing better in school, suggesting a broad impact beyond the business owner. This finding indicates that MDPs and other social service programs should have explicit goals related to increasing participants’ symbolic resources. In the language-learning realm, this study introduced the construct "relationship with English," extending Norton’s (2000) notion of investment in language learning. The relationship construct encompasses the situated nature of immigrants’ English use, investment in learning, and feelings about using English. The businesses helped most participants improve their relationship with English by providing motivation and informal learning opportunities. The non-English speaking participants improved their relationship with English by finding ways to use English even without working on their ability to speak. This finding suggests that social service agencies, ESL programs, and employers should broaden their view of immigrants’ capabilities to use English and to invest creatively in their own learning. Another significant finding was that participants demonstrated signs of internalized racism, which can make it hard for immigrants to see their own strengths. New research could help MDPs and other social service providers address internalized racism and decrease its negative impact on identity construction. Looking ahead, long-term studies of MDP participants could help optimize program design, extend learnings to other types of programs, and help providers, policymakers, and funders allocate resources for maximum effect.
32
Sebolao, Rosaline. "The Exploration of challenges facing black female entrepreneurs in Mangaung - Free State." 2002. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/53158813.html.
Full text
33
Zuma, Senamile. "Investigating the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/6076.
Full textAbstract:
Women as the previously disadvantaged species have been encouraged to open businesses all over the world. Some businesses that are owned by woman succeed some fail. It is evident that the rate at which the women respond to this call is positive judging by the number of businesses that are owned by women in the country. The ventures that are owned by woman some are new some are old but all of these woman entrepreneurs do encounter challenges, it is a fact. The fact that there is a success or failure means that these women encounter a number of challenges within and outside their business. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship.
A sample of 10 women entrepreneurs participated in the study. These women were chosen systematically using probability approach whereby a list of women entrepreneurs was obtained from the Durban Chamber of Commerce. Interviews were conducted as the instrument for collecting data. Data was analysed using tables and graphs.
The results yielded by this study showed that indeed women do encounter some challenges in their entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore, it was discovered from the study that the majority of challenges emanate from a lack of education and a lack of skills and development. It is important for our government to intervene by formulating programmes that will address the exact needs of women entrepreneurs and it is essential that there be follow up on the service providers so as to track the satisfaction of women in entrepreneurship and whether the programmes are achieving what they set out to achieve.
Finally this study provides the recommendations based on this study which are meant to address the challenges facing women in entrepreneurship.Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.
34
Verwey, Cornelius Tobias. "Developing evaluation constructs in management and entrepreneurship for women construction SMMEs." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27670.
Full text
35
Loh, Yenlin Stella. "The influence of Chinese culture on Chinese women managing their family owned business : an exploratory study." 2005. http://arrow.unisa.edu.au:8081/1959.8/79708.
Full textAbstract:
In summary, the original contribution to knowledge of this research-based thesis lies in the fact that, as far as can be determined from published sources, this is the first exploration into an area of complex cultural behaviour and family business enterprise, notably within the Singapore context and Chinese women managers.The purpose of this study was to provide an exploratory study on the possible influence of the Chinese culture on Chinese women managers who are managing their family owned businesses in Singapore, to make a contribution to the research literature in the area of research design and to generate suggestions for future research.
There was only limited research literature published in this area. A review of this limited literature on the Chinese culture and Chinese women managers failed to provide a clear perspective on the use of any specific method to determine the cultural influence on Chinese women managers. Moreover, most of this available literature was not written by a Chinese Singaporean for the Chinese women in Singapore, whereby the proper contextual interpretations may be necessary to form a more complete understanding of the possible issues facing these women managers.
Since culture is not easily quantifiable and can be altered by the exposure to external factors, the research was designed to explore only a portion of the Chinese women managers in Singapore using a list of questions. By limiting the research to lower educated Chinese women with only one business outlet in Singapore, the researcher has intentions to keep the research participants in one homogenous group as much as possible. It is probable that the other categories of Chinese women managers such as the higher educated or those with multiple business outlets may exhibit similar behavioural patterns as those of the targeted group for this research. However, there is a risk that the behavioural pattern of this other group may be dissimilar and their inclusion may skew and distort the research findings.
A preliminary survey was carried out on a group of research participants using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was derived in order to ensure a uniform interview process for each research participant. The sample size was kept small based on a sampling technique known as purposeful sampling. The 'negotiated outcome' method was used, whereby the findings from the interviews were shared with the research participant in order to obtain their concurrence and to correct any error in the interpretation of the data. The information from this initial survey was analysed in order to identify commonalities and a second questionnaire was constructed based on the findings from the initial survey.
The second survey, or verification study, was carried out in a series of interviews on another set of research participants. Again, the purposeful sampling method was used to keep the sample size small and, thus, to keep the data manageable. The data from the verification survey was summarised and analysed. From the analysis, it was found that there were at least two aspects of the Chinese culture that was found to have an influence on the Chinese women managers. These two aspects are a) Greener Pastures for their Children and b) Lower Education Expectations.
In the first case, it was found that most of the Chinese women managers did not have any intention to hand over their business to their children, citing a common reason, that is the expectation that their children will fare better if they were to seek their career elsewhere instead of staying within the family business and perpetuating it. It was argued that the primary reason for this behaviour was that the Chinese women managers had earlier set low targets for their businesses and is subsequently discouraging their children from taking over the business out of motherly concern.
If the Chinese women managers have set lower business goals for themselves, and then expecting their children to pursue their career elsewhere because of this, it will mean there was no plan to maximize the business in the first place. And, if there was no plan or desire to maximize the business, then the ability of the business to achieve its full potential will not be possible.
The second finding was that many of these Chinese women managers had lower education expectations of themselves compared to their male siblings. This was likely to be an old cultural artifact that the Chinese women have failed to discard from the end of the Han dynasty. But by keeping to this mindset, the Chinese women are limiting themselves from attaining the highest academic achievements, and as a result they are being limited from experiencing their full potential.
This belief and practice is still observed in Singapore in this day and age. It this is allowed to propagate, future generations of Chinese Singapore women may be brought up with similar mindsets. This will have long term and far reaching impacts on the economy of the nation because a portion of the female population would not have been given the opportunity to pursue their academic qualifications to the maximum.
It is important, therefore, that the findings of this research be made known to the Chinese women in Singapore so as to create an awareness of this part of the Chinese culture that is silently propagated. This awareness will create a consciousness that, if proper assistance is provided, enable the present generation of Chinese Singaporean to nurture their children differently in order to avoid propagating such mindsets.
Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2005
36
Buddle, Melanie Anne. "The business of women: gender, family, and entrepreneurship in British Columbia, 1901-1971." Thesis, 2003. https://dspace.library.uvic.ca//handle/1828/10370.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines female self-employment in British Columbia from 1901 to 1971.
Entrepreneurial women comprised a small proportion of the total female labour force but they
exhibited differences from the rest of the labour force that deserve attention. The study relies on
the Census of Canada to gain perspective on trends in female self-employment over a broad time
period; qualitative sources are also utilized, including Business and Professional Women’s Club
records, to illustrate how individual businesswomen reflected patterns of age, marital status, and
family observed at a broad level. The role of gender in women’s decisions to run their own
enterprises and in their choice of enterprise is also explored. While the research focus is British
Columbia, this study is comparative: self-employed women in the province are compared to their
counterparts in the rest of Canada, but also to self-employed men, and to other working women,
in both regions. Regionally, women in British Columbia had higher rates of self-employment
than women in the rest of the country between 1901 and 1971. Self-employed women in both
British Columbia and Canada were, like wage-earning women, limited to a narrow range of
occupational types, but they were more likely to work in male-dominated occupations. Self employed
women were also older and more likely to be married, widowed or divorced than
wage-earning women; in these aspects, they resembled self-employed men. But there were
gender differences: whether women worked in female or male-dominated enterprises, they
stressed their femininity. The need to take care of their families, particularly if they had lost a
spouse through death or desertion, provided additional rationale for women’s presence in the
business world. Family, marital status, age, gender and region all played a role in women’s
decisions to enter into self-employment between 1901 and 1971.Graduate
37
Mazonde, Nomusa Benita. "Culture and the self-identity of women entrepreneurs in a developing country." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21573.
Full textAbstract:
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Johannesburg, March 31st 2016The purpose of this research is to understand female entrepreneurship from the perspective of the female entrepreneurs themselves. Much of the literature in this field has been in the context of developed countries, and relatively little research has explored the entrepreneurial experiences of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The study followed the interpretive approach utilising a social constructivist theoretical perspective, which sought to understand female entrepreneurs in terms of their subjectively constructed reality. Forty-three purposively selected female entrepreneurs, whose businesses had transitioned from the informal economy to the formal economy, were both observed and interviewed in depth. The data were analysed using principles of constant comparison and coding, then used to formulate theoretical propositions of female entrepreneurship. During the coding process, care was taken to safeguard the language and voice of the interviewees from the raw data through to the contribution to theory. This study reveals that female entrepreneurs’ initial identities evolve through unshackling themselves from the imposed patriarchal structures into new identities. Their initial identities were disenfranchised and shaped by their historical context. The female entrepreneurs engage in a process of balancing through their own agency; this shift is essential to their functioning as successful entrepreneurs. The circumstances and motivation for these female entrepreneurs typified the intentions of other female entrepreneurs; they were compelled to juggle their family considerations with the demands of their entrepreneurial activities. Notably, they relied on their personal expertise, and augmented their personal financial resources with bootstrapping instead of relying on debt. In addition, the study indicates that family, religion, and community are the driving forces sustaining the commitment to entrepreneurship amongst these women; it is not profit alone, although income is important to sustain those who rely on their support. The results indicate a strong association between historical context - understood in terms of cultural traditions - and female entrepreneurial activities. Culture and family can either be a constraint on, or an enabler of female entrepreneurship in a developing country context. In summary, the study may be helpful to current and future entrepreneurs as it examined the personal lived experiences as well as the contextual influences of these courageous women.
MB2016
38
Kaneza, Emelyne. "An ICT framework for accessing government support and services : a case of women-owned small, medium and micro enterprises in Rwanda." 2014. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1001582.
Full textAbstract:
M. Tech. Business Information SystemsIn the last decade, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and Women-owned SMMEs in particular, have significantly increased in many parts of the world. The growing contribution of SMMEs towards the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation, poverty reduction, social and economic development, can no longer be ignored. In recognition of the significance of SMMEs, many countries in the world have created special mechanisms to enhance and facilitate the creation and growth of SMMEs. Lately, the main support services offered to small enterprises include both business development services and financial services by using the cutting edge of Information Communication Technologies (ICT). However, a review of various writings has revealed that despite efforts by numerous governments to establish a support structure for SMMEs, their efforts have not been very rewarding. SMMEs still complain about the lack of access to government support and services. Issues of accessibility were worsened as female business owners face different challenges than their male counterparts. A review of those challenges was conducted in the context of Rwanda. By using a multiple case study design and an interview method for the collection of data, the study identified the support and services provided by the government and the challenges that women-owned SMMEs encountered in their attempts to access them.
39
Bensemann, Jo. "Copreneurship in rural tourism : exploring women's experiences : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Canterbury /." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/3395.
Full text
40
Gebrehiwot, Rahel Woldegebriel. "Women's participation in micro and small enterprises: the case of Addis Ababa." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26853.
Full textAbstract:
This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the participation of women-owned MSEs in the manufacturing sector in two selected sub-cities of Addis Ababa, namely, Kolfe Keranio and Nefas Silk Lafto sub-cities and to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and participation of women who own MSEs in the manufacturing sector as well as government entities that support these MSEs. The study adopted a qualitative, exploratory research approach. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from women who participated in the manufacturing sector, government officials, MSEs experts in the sub-cities and gender office professionals who worked closely with women’s MSEs in the manufacturing sector. Besides, direct observation was used to get firsthand information concerning the nature of women-owned MSEs and their working environments such as limited working space, lack of warehouses, and physical constraints relating to the use of stairs in storeyed buildings, among others. Document review and secondary data were used to triangulate the results from the interviews and obtain quantifiable data that could be used to clarify certain issues in the study. The data were analyzed using thematic data analysis to identify how the theme related to the research objectives. The researcher used a table to visualize the coded themes to determine which was the major problem, support, and characteristics of women-owned MSEs.
The study revealed that women have limited education levels and skills. It is thus difficult for women who own MSEs to exploit advantages or opportunities to expand their business. The findings also reported the inability to access finance for MSEs start-ups and expansion. Women generally lacked information regarding various aspects of MSEs during the establishment of their businesses. Women-owned MSEs have received some support, particularly from government agencies. However, the support they are currently receiving is inadequate to enable them to transform their business. Women-owned MSEs still face problems on many fronts including workspace, limited finance, outdated technology, poor marketing strategies were among others that need addressing. To develop women-owned MSEs and empower other women in the field, the government, the public sector, and formal financial institutes should be informed on the value of gender-balanced contribution in the informal sector enterprises. It is recommended that there should be a greater focus on the social and economic empowerment of women, as they constitute a vulnerable social category that is critical in development endeavors.Development Studies
M.A. (Development Studies)
41
Chiloane-Tsoka, Germinah Evelyn. "An investigation of the effectiveness of government policy programmes for black women entrepreneurs in Tshwane." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8937.
Full textAbstract:
D.Comm. (Business Management)The effectiveness of government policies and Programme for black women in Tshwane is investigated in this study. Five townships, Soshanguve, GaRankuwa, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Hammanskraal and Inner city were investigated by means of questionnaires. A sample of 241 black women entrepreneurs in Tshwane townships was investigated after which the results were reported. The primary objective of this study has been to investigate the extent to which black women entrepreneurs utilise government policies and Programme in Tshwane. Descriptive statistics indicated the following: 1. Information about government policies is not known by the majority of women entrepreneurs in Tshwane. 2. Local business centres are not assisting black women entrepreneurs by disseminating government policies. 3. SEDA is not effective in providing training for the SMMEs. 4. SAWEN is not effective in assisting women to start and grow their business…
42
Kowo, Kumbirai. "Human capital as a determinant to access finance for South African women entrepreneurs." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21137.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Management: Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Johannesburg, 2015
(March 2015)The purpose of this research is to investigate human capital and social capital as determinants to access to finance for women SMME owners in South Africa. The study focuses on Human capital which encompasses social capital and looks at access to finance within the South African context. It does not include all other factors discussed in entrepreneurship theory. The major theories underlying this research are Social Network theory and Human capital theory. Human capital theory is viewed as formal education, skills attained and knowledge gained through informal knowledge such as prior work experience, industry experience and apprenticeship opportunities. These variables are assessed to see if they determine access to finance; which is a barrier to entrepreneurship in South Africa for SMME owners. This constraint is stressed in all The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports from 2009 to 2014. This paper focuses on a single gender; females and assesses these capital factors as determinants to access finance for their entrepreneurial activity. Social capital as a factor is studied as a component of Human capital and two variables are assessed: strong ties and weak ties. Access to finance is evaluated as both debt and equity for entrepreneurs. Bivariate analysis was used to test the theories for results. The results showed an importance of human and social capital for entrepreneurs in running their businesses however not all human and social capital factors were confirmed to entirely determine access to finance for the women entrepreneurs. This study can potentially assist SMME owners within South Africa, financial institutions, policy makers and support organisations for women-owned businesses with insight into what determines accessing finance for business.
MT2016
43
Eke, Chidi Idi. "Women's representation in public enterprises in Pietermaritzburg." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/10844.
Full textAbstract:
A democratic ―tsunami‖ is moving around the world, nations are embracing democracy which brings power to the people and enables their voices to be heard. South Africa has one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world which contains the Bill of Rights where equality is preached. The Grant Thornton International Business Report on Women in Management (2012) rightly concludes that women occupy only 21% of top managerial positions, worldwide. In South Africa, women occupy only 28%, which is slightly more than the international average. In light of the above information, this study looks at women‘s representation in business, with special emphasis on the challenges faced by women at top management level in public enterprises in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The inference deduced from the above statistics unveils that women are underrepresented at top management level. Several authors have viewed the challenges faced by women in top level managerial positions from different perspectives and the core challenges this study has identified are as follows: the ‗glass ceiling‘; balancing work and family responsibilities; organisational culture; human resource policies; politics of power and the ‗Queen Bee Syndrome‘.
This study has unveiled a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women employed in top level managerial positions, useful in enabling women at this level to overcome their challenges and thereby assist them to function to their utmost capacity, while at the same time attempting to increase women‘s representation at top management level. The researcher adopted a mixed method of data collection in carrying out this study. In-depth interviews were carried out with respondents; the insight gained in these interviews assisted the researcher to carry out further telephonic interviews with other respondents and lastly; questionnaires were employed to complement other sources of data collection in the study.
These findings of the study show that the ills of Apartheid could be responsible for the lack of self-confidence of black women holding top level managerial positions. In the researcher‘s point of view, the Bantu system of education did not provide a sound foundation of quality education for the black women of Pietermaritzburg. In conclusion, the thesis argues that, since women constitute a significant proportion of the economically active population in South Africa, it is fair only that they should be equitably represented at top managerial level. To achieve this goal, the study proffered a recommendation which has
managerial benefits that may assist in accelerating and increasing women‘s representation at top management level.Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.
44
Mutsindikwa, Canisio. "The small enterprise section of the economy : a study of the role of social capital in the success of women entrepreneurs in Harare, Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27215.
Full textAbstract:
This study to meant to determine the extent to which the Zimbabwean women in the small-scale business sector depended on their social capital to make it. The primary question of the study was: What is the significance of social capital in determining the success or failure of women’s businesses in Zimbabwe? Methodologically, the study followed the constructivist approach, which aimed at obtaining detailed and thick in-depth descriptions from the women who are socially a vulnerable group. It followed the qualitative research design; whose characteristics were dependence on the narratives of the discussants to explain phenomena. Non-probability sampling was preferred, and the sampling techniques used were mainly purposive. The sample comprised 21 participants, drawn from a population of women in small scale businesses in Glen Norah A, Glen View 1 and Highfield in Harare. The researcher used focus group discussions and individual interviews for data collection. Data was analysed thematically. The key findings were that women were dependent on their bonding and linking social capital to succeed (or fail) in business. Thus, such findings constitute some of the major contributions of the study to the commonwealth of knowledge. In particular one contribution is that women’s business development in the small-scale informal sector follows a particular lifecycle where different types of social capital are required. The findings led to the recommendations that women must be recognized as key players in economic development, and should be assisted at nascent stages so that their participation in economic development can be more robust and visible.Sociology
D. Litt. et Phil. (Sociology)
45
Matlala, Laurenda Sefakwane. "The impact of business support for women owned small business enterprises in agriculture : a South African perspective." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6257.
Full textAbstract:
Regardless of the level of development achieved by the respective economies, women play a pivotal role in agriculture and in rural development in most countries. Evidently there are serious constraints which militate against the promotion of an effective role for women in development in those societies which were bound by age-old traditions and beliefs. Patriarchal modes and practices motivated by cultures and/or interpretations of religious sanctions and illiteracy hinder women’s freedom to opt for various choices to assert greater mobility in social interactions. Resulting from these situations, women’s contribution to agriculture and other sectors in the economy remain concealed and unaccounted for in monitoring economic performance measurement. Consequently, they are generally invisible in plans and programmes. They were, in fact, discriminated against by stereotypes which restrict them to a reproductive role and denied access to resources which could eventually enhance their social and economic contribution to the society.
46
Hoosen, Reishana. "Assessment of the role of Indian women in South African family-owned businesses." Diss., 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/23411.
Full textAbstract:
The objective of this report was to gain a better understanding of the role of Indian women in South African Indian family-owned businesses. Thirty, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. The respondents comprised of ten South African - Indian females, ten Indian males and ten non-family employees. The feedback was analysed using the constant comparative analysis method. Purposive sampling coupled with maximum variation generated a participant base of Indian family businesses with female family members actively involved on a daily basis in the business, primarily in financial administration. A model, based on the findings, was derived for the purpose of drawing the key findings together. This model (Figure 3) illustrates the key roles of Indian women, relating to the six research questions and also highlights the emergence of a new theme, male ego conditioning. The model provides a basis for family business practices in understanding the interplay of the various roles of Indian women at the individual, business and family interfaces., in order to cope with their family and business responsibilities. This research project also uncovered additional findings that have improved the current understanding of the role of Indian women in a family business and provides implications for future family business practice and research.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
unrestricted
47
Dixon, Joby Edward. "Pathways to success exploring the personal networks of female and minority entrepreneurs /." 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3119668.
Full text
48
Dayile, Siyabulela Paschal. "Internationalisation of South African women-owned SMMEs: the role of human, social and financial capital." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21490.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management, specialising in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Johannesburg, 2016The main thrust of this study was to investigate and explain the influence of human, social and financial capital on the internationalisation of SMMEs in South Africa in the context of women entrepreneurs. A cross-sectional quantitative study was employed on a sample of 135 women-owned SMMEs, by way of an online survey. This tested the association between social, human and financial capital, and the degree of internationalisation of women-owned SMMEs. This study revealed that women entrepreneurs in South Africa do not view international social ties and business networks, and financial capital availability as significant barriers to determining the degree of internationalisation. On the other hand, the study showed that women within this context believe that international education, knowledge and experience all play key roles in inducing the degree of internationalisation. The study suggests that the results may have deviated from widely accepted theories, due to emerging markets being different from developed economies, in which the majority of empirical studies have thus far been conducted. The findings strengthened the emerging, but sparsely researched second approach to the resource-based theory, which suggest that SMMEs internationalise to gain access to entrepreneurial capitals. The study further revealed that women entrepreneurs that had internationalised did so, through industries in which women are typically under-represented. Although not pervasive in literature, women entrepreneurs within South Africa were motivated to internationalise mainly due to external growth prospects and not by poor domestic demand.
MT2016
49
"Finding a level playing field: The experiences of women-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in transportation construction." SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY, 2009. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3351880.
Full text
50
Bottaro, Michelle Reser. "The influence of the daughter's managerial style on father-daughter work relationships in family-owned businesses." Thesis, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/37410.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of a daughter's managerial style and her personal relationship with her father in father-daughter work relationships in family-owned businesses. This research is an attempt to reveal daughters' perceptions of these occurrences and interactions which often are overlooked in current research and everyday practices. The theoretical framework stems from four distinct but connected areas of research: family-owned businesses, father/daughter relationships, father-son relationships in and outside of family-owned businesses, and men and women in management. The data in this study revealed that the majority of the daughters chose and implemented managerial styles different from their fathers'. However, the daughters reported that differences in style did not create substantial problems for their father/daughter work relationships. Six of the seven daughters reported that having had the experience of working outside of their family-owned businesses provided them the opportunity to develop their own personal differences in management styles. Yet, the apparent incongruence of these daughters' reports reveals that the daughters were more concerned with preserving intergenerational continuity than with facing up to conflicting beliefs in management. Furthermore, the research found that the decision-making styles in which the fathers and daughters engaged did differ and the differences affected their familial relationships in limited ways. Overall, the daughters perceived the interaction between their managerial style and personal relationships with their fathers to be compatible and not debilitating.Graduation date: 1993