This paper starts with a definition of the term entrepreneurship and its relation to eco-nomic development in the second section. The third section is concerned with the elab-oration of women’s motives and intentions as well as the challenges and constraints affecting their decision to engage in entrepreneurial activity. The penultimate section deals with the influence of macro-environmental factors on the emergence of women-owned enterprises. Finally, the last section discusses and summarizes the results.
Due to the fact that entrepreneurship includes a huge variety of activities and undergoes constant change, many definitions are existent. Thus, entrepreneurship is nowadays seen as a dynamic process requiring energy and passion towards new ideas and crea-tive solutions. Entrepreneurs are supposed to take risks, while simultaneously identifying opportunities . However, not every entrepreneur has the possibility to recognize opportunities, as his or her entry into entrepreneurship is strongly depend-ent on the surrounding environment. Some entrepreneurs are indeed able to “respond to a perceived market opportunity. Others are forced into starting a business due to unfa-vorable circumstances” . Unfavorable circumstances are, for example, the unavailability of “appropriate paid employment in recessionary economic conditions”.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Problem Definition and Aims
1.2 Methodology and structure
2. Correlation of entrepreneurship in general and economic development
3. Factors of influence for female entrepreneurs
3.1 Motives and intentions
3.1.1 Push factors
3.1.2 Pull factors
3.2 Challenges and constraints
4. Macro-environmental effects on female entrepreneurship
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to investigate the micro-environmental motives, challenges, and constraints that influence women's decisions to establish their own ventures, while also analyzing the impact of macro-environmental factors on female entrepreneurship within industrialized nations.
- Micro-environmental push and pull factors influencing female entrepreneurship.
- Challenges and barriers, such as access to finance, networks, and self-confidence.
- Macro-environmental drivers, including technology, culture, and institutional frameworks.
- The relationship between economic development and entrepreneurial activity.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Push factors
On the one hand female entrepreneurs are influenced by the so-called push factors. Duchéneaut stated that push factors are primarily determined as factors “of necessity such as insufficient family income, dissatisfaction with a salaried job, difficulty in finding work and a need for a flexible work schedule because of family responsibilities” (Duchéneaut, 1997; as cited in Orhan & Scott, 2001, p. 233). Thus, push factors “often have negative connotations” (Kirkwood, 2009, p. 346).
As currently only 4.6% of the Fortune 1000 CEO positions are held by women (Catalyst, 2014, p.1), one reason for women, in particular, might be a dearth of sufficient progress within their workplaces, the so-called glass ceiling barrier that prevents women from reaching executive positions within a company (Winn, 2004, p.143) and therefore fosters their decisions to start their own ventures. This might also lead to general job dissatisfaction, “ranging from hatred of their bosses to dissatisfaction with bureaucracy or salary”(Cromie, 1987, p. 256). However, harassment and subordination to male employees are important reasons for women to refrain from employment (Cromie, 1987, p. 257). Likewise, many women feel uncomfortable in a male-dominated workplace which is “characterised by the hierarchy, the ‘old-boys’ networks’ and the use of directive power” (Orhan & Scott, 2001, p. 233).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, highlighting the economic importance of female entrepreneurs and outlining the methodology used to investigate their motives and barriers.
2. Correlation of entrepreneurship in general and economic development: This section explores the relationship between GDP levels and entrepreneurial activity, distinguishing between necessity-driven and opportunity-driven startups.
3. Factors of influence for female entrepreneurs: This chapter categorizes the personal drivers of female entrepreneurs into push and pull factors, while also identifying specific barriers like lack of networks and financial constraints.
4. Macro-environmental effects on female entrepreneurship: This part examines external influences on female venture creation, specifically focusing on technology, cultural values, and institutional/government support.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings and suggests that the decision to start a business is a complex interaction of personal circumstances and macro-level conditions, calling for further research.
Keywords
Female Entrepreneurship, Push Factors, Pull Factors, Economic Development, Startup, Gender, Micro-environment, Macro-environment, Business Venture, Self-employment, Networking, Institutional Support, Gender Gap, Motivation, Industrialized Countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the personal and macro-environmental factors that influence women in their decision to engage in entrepreneurial activity.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the distinction between push and pull motives, the challenges women face in accessing resources, and the impact of the institutional and cultural macro-environment.
What is the main research question?
The research asks what specific reasons and motives influence women's decisions to start businesses and what challenges might prevent them from doing so.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author performs a literature-based analysis, synthesizing existing studies and theoretical frameworks regarding entrepreneurship and gender.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the correlation between entrepreneurship and economic growth, detailed explanations of push and pull motivational factors, common business constraints, and macro-level effects.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include female entrepreneurship, push/pull factors, gender, economic development, and institutional support.
What is the difference between push and pull factors?
Push factors are necessity-driven circumstances that force individuals into business (e.g., job loss), whereas pull factors represent opportunity-driven choices (e.g., seeking independence or self-realization).
How does government size affect female entrepreneurship according to the author?
The paper suggests a negative correlation, specifically noting that the provision of maternity benefits and large government sectors can sometimes inadvertently decrease the rate of women becoming self-employed.
How significant is a social network for female entrepreneurs?
Very significant; the paper notes that networks help overcome unfamiliar business environments and provide access to vital information and resources.
- Quote paper
- Melanie Keller (Author), 2013, Female Entrepreneurship and its Factors of Influence, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/303819
