Factors Affecting Women Entrepreneurs’ Success; A study of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Emerging Market of Pakistan

Abstract

In the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors, which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors; including the need for achievements, risk-taking and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women's entrepreneurial success but our study investigated some psychological, cultural and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.

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