Apparel Manufacturing Business Owners: A Gender Comparison

Abstract

Business owners were studied to determine if women approach business differently from men (integrative perspective). The population (n = 578) served as the sample of Texas apparel manufacturing owners identified by U.S. Standard Industrial Classification codes. Validity and reliability were established for the five scales. Data analyses were conducted on 199 responses. Few significant differences were found between males and females on their individual, organization, and action dimensions expressed by business strategies, negotiating skills, management activities, and strategic postures. Some significant differences were found on the dimensions within the integrative perspective and sociodemographics. The conclusion is that women did not approach their business from an integrative perspective except in a few dimensions. Research should be continued to dismiss the stereotype that women often do not own successful businesses.

Differences in Reported Firm Performance by Gender: Does Industry Matter?

“…In a study of male and femaleowned accounting practices, average earnings from female-owned firms were 51 percent of the average earnings of the male-owned firms (Fasci and Valdez, 1998). Similar findings were reported by Craig, Martin and Horridge (1997) and in their studies of retail and service firms. The growth in the number of women-owned businesses comes despite 27 percent of women business owners having a high school education or less compared to 24 percent of male business owners.…”

“…The extant literature often cites education as a factor impacting firm performance. Craig et al (1997) stated that businesses are directly influenced by the values and philosophies of the business owners. An individual's values are often developed through their formal education process, suggesting that educational level might have an impact on small business operations and performance.…”

Profiling Micro Apparel Enterprises in Botswana: Motivations, Practices, Challenges, and Success

“…In 2002, the Ministry of Education mandated that the senior secondary certificate in fashion and fabrics include significant course Littrell, Stout, & Reilly (1991) • enjoyment/paying for a hobby • reach financial goals -craft producers -USA, women and men Craig, Martin, & Horridge (1997) • freedom • flexibility of work/family -apparel manufacturers • learning and innovation • respect from friends -USA, women • make money from hobby Dickson & Littrell (1998) • personal growth • family well-being, better -apparel/craft manufacturers life for children -Guatemala, women • provide work for family/friends Horridge & Craig (2001) • personal fulfillment • professional achievement -apparel manufacturing • independence • financial, increase income -USA, women Other Small Businesses Hisrich & Brush (1984) • frustration and boredom -USA, women • autonomy/independence Brush (1992) • flexibility to balance work/family Teo (1996) • perceived presence of • freedom/flexibility • recognition -Singapore, women business opportunity • personal growth • financial independence • desire to put knowledge/ skills to use • desire for challenge and • block to career advancement self-determination • balance work/family -USA, women • experience excitement • poor organizational dynamics in • enhance self-esteem previous job • respect/recognition Kuratko, Hornsby, & Naffziger • independence/autonomy/ • recognition (1997) be own boss • wealth -USA, women and men • prove can do it/excitement • family security Maysami & Goby (1999) • doing things a better way • need for self-determination • control own future/financial destiny -worldwide, women Feldman & Bolino (2000) • use my skills/abilities • greater control over life • live where/how I like -USA, women and men • greater ability to be creative work to equip students with the necessary skills for operating a textile-related small business. Currently very limited research on small businesses in Botswana exists as a basis for technical program development.…”

Marketing Strategies and the Difference Level of Sales and Profits Performance of the Batik SMEs in Malaysia

“…Other than target market and advertising, promotional activities are also critical factors for business performance (Craig et al, 1997). Promotion can enhance a firm's profitability by securing increased sales volume at a decrease total expense percentage and by accelerating turnover (Shim and Drake, 1991).…”

“…In the literature, performance is measured by either subjective or objective criteria. Profit and Total sales are among objective performance measures which widely used in the studies of SMEs (e.g Garg, Mittal, & Goyal, 2005;Arbuthnot, Sisler, & Slama, 1993;Craig, Martin, & Horridge, 1997).…”