Entrepreneurial women’s networks: the case of D’Uva – Portugal wine girls

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess women winemakers’ motivations for and objectives in creating a formal, horizontal, and inter-organizational network in Portugal. To this end, an analysis was carried out of the practical case of a network of women wine producers from some of the main wine regions of Portugal (i.e. D’Uva – Portugal Wine Girls). Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data analysis was carried out of in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven wine producers and the network manager. The content analysis of interviews was done with QSR International’s NVivo Version 11 software. Findings The results support the conclusion that the D’Uva – Portugal Wine Girls network promotes the creativity and innovation fundamental to communicating unique features to consumers. These are narrated in a feminine, cohesive, and united voice and supported by a passion for winemaking. The network is open to adding other women producers, which could contribute to its growth and further sharing of knowledge, contacts, and experiences. Research limitations/implications The findings provide a better understanding of the processes of internationalization and networking among women winemakers in Portugal. Practical implications The benefits of this network in terms of relationships were examined, showing that the stimulation of better performance and the effects of antecedents were important in the creation and formalization of the network. Originality/value This research sought to contribute to the literature on female entrepreneurship and, more specifically, networks of entrepreneurial women. The findings stress that, through the formalization of networks, women can gain more advantages, namely, sharing knowledge and experiences, increasing their level of internationalization, and expanding their networks.

COVID‐19 and entrepreneurship: Future research directions

“…In times of crisis, entrepreneurs help improve product and service quality and advance new technologies. Entrepreneurs are a source of dynamism and ensure that an economy remains competitive (Santos, Marques, & Ratten, 2019). These skills are needed in the economy and act as an incentive for others to behave innovatively.…”

The Configurations of Informal Institutions to Promote Men’s and Women’s Entrepreneurial Activities

“…The women’s entrepreneurship model 1F reveals that networking is an essential component for women entrepreneurs since it binds them in a group, and leads them to raise their voices in order to achieve their joint objectives of creating a new venture ( Santos et al, 2018b ). In this way they can identify and exploit business opportunities which are created by segmented communication and fit well according to the feminine taste ( Santos et al, 2018b ). We also find that in factor-driven economies many cultural reasons may force women to engage in necessity-based entrepreneurship.…”

“… Brush et al (2014) argue that if women develop entrepreneurial skills they can start businesses with greater confidence. Santos et al (2018b) posits that women may associate in a network of existing entrepreneurs to enhance their level of skills, knowledge and confidence. Since networking provides access to the valuable information, confidence and skills to deal with customers as well as experiences and advice to increase the level of entrepreneurial activities ( Santos et al, 2018b ).…”

“… Santos et al (2018b) posits that women may associate in a network of existing entrepreneurs to enhance their level of skills, knowledge and confidence. Since networking provides access to the valuable information, confidence and skills to deal with customers as well as experiences and advice to increase the level of entrepreneurial activities ( Santos et al, 2018b ). Welsh et al (2018) indicate that women entrepreneurs tend to be more determined in their entrepreneurial endeavors and risk taking, if they receive support from network ties.…”

Knowledge Sharing in Business Networks From the Building Industry

“…Most of them highlight the many advantages for the networks' members. Networks generate financial advantages through the sharing of costs and non-financial benefits, through the collective marketing and building of the image of products represented by these networks (Santos et al, 2018). Fuller-Love & Thomas (2004) pay attention to developing their ability to operate on a more efficient and more profitable level and to create links between each other in order to exchange ideas and solve problems.…”