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”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (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
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper aims to investigate the factors influencing women's decisions to engage in entrepreneurial activity. It explores both the personal/micro-environmental motives and challenges, as well as the impact of macro-environmental factors. The focus is primarily on female entrepreneurship in industrialized countries, without differentiating between enterprise sizes.
- The relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development.
- The push and pull factors motivating women to become entrepreneurs.
- The challenges and constraints faced by female entrepreneurs.
- The influence of macro-environmental factors on female entrepreneurship.
- The impact of work-family balance on women's entrepreneurial choices.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of female entrepreneurship, highlighting its significant contribution to economic growth globally. It emphasizes the disparity between male and female entrepreneurship rates, despite the increasing number of women-owned businesses. The chapter then clearly defines the paper's objective: to examine the micro- and macro-environmental factors influencing women's decisions to become entrepreneurs, focusing primarily on industrialized countries and without distinguishing between enterprise sizes. The methodology and structure of the paper are also outlined.
2. Correlation of entrepreneurship in general and economic development: This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship and its link to economic development. It discusses various definitions of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the dynamic process involving risk-taking and opportunity identification. The chapter differentiates between opportunity-driven and necessity-driven entrepreneurship, linking necessity-driven entrepreneurship to less developed economies and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship to those with higher GDP per capita. The relationship between entrepreneurship rates and per capita GDP is analyzed, highlighting the cyclical nature of this relationship and showing how it shifts as GDP increases.
3. Factors of influence for female entrepreneurs: This chapter delves into the factors influencing women's decisions to become entrepreneurs. It categorizes these influences into "push" and "pull" factors. "Push" factors, often associated with negative circumstances, include job dissatisfaction, the glass ceiling, harassment, and unemployment. The chapter highlights the significant role of work-family balance as a key push factor, emphasizing the desire for flexibility and the challenge of combining family commitments with professional life. While acknowledging that the study considers both genders, the chapter explicitly connects redundancy and the necessity of work-family balance to women’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Female entrepreneurship, economic development, push factors, pull factors, work-family balance, challenges, constraints, macro-environmental factors, opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, necessity-driven entrepreneurship, glass ceiling, job dissatisfaction, unemployment.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Female Entrepreneurship
What is the main focus of this research paper?
The research paper investigates the factors influencing women's decisions to engage in entrepreneurial activity. It explores both the personal/micro-environmental motives and challenges, as well as the impact of macro-environmental factors on female entrepreneurship in industrialized countries, without differentiating between enterprise sizes.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development; the push and pull factors motivating women to become entrepreneurs; the challenges and constraints faced by female entrepreneurs; the influence of macro-environmental factors on female entrepreneurship; and the impact of work-family balance on women's entrepreneurial choices.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: An introduction defining the problem and methodology; a chapter exploring the correlation between entrepreneurship and economic development; a chapter focusing on factors influencing female entrepreneurs, categorized as push and pull factors; a chapter analyzing macro-environmental effects on female entrepreneurship; and a concluding chapter.
What are some examples of "push" and "pull" factors influencing women's entrepreneurial decisions?
Push factors, often negative circumstances, include job dissatisfaction, the glass ceiling, harassment, unemployment, and the difficulties of balancing work and family. Pull factors (positive motivations) are less explicitly detailed but implied within the context of pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
How does the paper define entrepreneurship and its relationship to economic development?
The paper explores various definitions of entrepreneurship, differentiating between opportunity-driven and necessity-driven entrepreneurship. It analyzes the relationship between entrepreneurship rates and per capita GDP, highlighting the cyclical nature of this relationship and how it shifts as GDP increases.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The methodology is not explicitly detailed in the provided preview, but the introduction mentions outlining the methodology and structure in the full paper.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions previewed in this document?
The preview highlights the significant contribution of female entrepreneurship to economic growth and emphasizes the disparity between male and female entrepreneurship rates. It emphasizes the need to understand both micro and macro environmental factors to fully understand women's entrepreneurial choices.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Female entrepreneurship, economic development, push factors, pull factors, work-family balance, challenges, constraints, macro-environmental factors, opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, necessity-driven entrepreneurship, glass ceiling, job dissatisfaction, unemployment.
- Quote paper
- Melanie Keller (Author), 2013, Female Entrepreneurship and its Factors of Influence, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/303819
