Do psycho-entrepreneurial traits and social networks matter for innovativeness among Saudi female entrepreneurs?

Abstract

PurposePsychological and entrepreneurial traits have been widely studied as explicative variables of encouraging entrepreneurial behavior, while their impact on innovative activity is less explored. This study examines whether, how and why psycho-entrepreneurial traits and social networks effect innovativeness among women firm owners.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of data collected from 304 Saudi women entrepreneurs accompanied by business accelerators provides a wide support with some notable exceptions. We use Structural Equation Modeling technique to estimate how different constructs interact with each other and jointly affect directly or indirectly women's innovativeness behavior in Saudi Arabia.FindingsFindings point out that innovativeness is positively and significantly affected by emotional intelligence, internal locus of control, entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The construct of entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediates the relationship between both business and personal networks and innovativeness. However, professional forums and mentors have no significant effect on innovativeness.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample selection is limited to two entrepreneurial support structures especially business accelerator and business incubator. Expanding the context to other support structures can reinforce the implications and provide more valuable results.Practical implicationsThe findings are likely to be of applicability for improving women entrepreneurship by entrepreneurial support structures.Originality/valueThis research is original in the sense that it investigated useful insights of innovativeness among Saudi female entrepreneurs.

Do knowledge and personality traits influence women entrepreneurs’ e-commerce venture? Testing on the multiple mediation model

“…They have high self-confidence and are happier and more independent at work. Previous studies have also found that individuals with a high internal locus of control have the lowest stress level since they can change and control the situation (Jaziri and Miralam, 2023). On the other hand, the need for an achievement personality encourages entrepreneurs to strive towards achieving the direction in their business.…”

“…Locus of control is one of the personality variables, interpreted as an individual's belief in his/her ability to control fate (Uysal et al, 2022). Jaziri and Miralam (2023) found that a high internal locus of control better predicted entrepreneurial success than the need for achievement. Both factors are driving psychological factors influencing the behaviour of entrepreneurship (Khan et al, 2021;Qazi et al, 2020;Staniewski and Awruk, 2019).…”