Following the pathway of female entrepreneurs

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -There has been increased policy and research interest in the growing number of female entrepreneurs and their potential contribution to both the local and global economy. Nevertheless, the extant literature on female entrepreneurship is often limited to the start-up phase of business. An important gap in the literature is an enquiry into the development of these female-owned organisations from inception to maturity, and their growth in domestic and/or international markets. This paper therefore aims to address key themes such as motivation to start-up, growing the business, gender issues and the challenges faced by these women. Design/methodology/approach -An innovative, internet-based methodology was employed to collect the data in the chosen locations. Using internet resources such as online media, company web sites and other pertinent sites, a significant volume of information was gathered. Any information gaps or issues requiring further clarification were then addressed via e-mail exchanges with the individual entrepreneur. Findings -Initial findings demonstrate threads of commonality between female entrepreneurs in different countries. It also highlights differences in the experiences of these women, not only across countries but also within certain countries. A comprehensive discussion of these findings is contained in the paper. Research limitations/implications -This research has highlighted a number of issues which merit further investigation; however, the issue of social responsibility within this sample of female entrepreneurs would indicate that women have much more socially-oriented motives for starting and developing a business. The authors would like to investigate this further using qualitative investigation of a larger sample within one country before drawing any definitive conclusions. Originality/value -Given a limited understanding of such issues mentioned above, this contribution seeks to provide an insight into the heterogeneous experiences of female entrepreneurs using cross-national data rather than a one-country study.

An Empirical Study of Success Factors of Women Entrepreneurs in Southern Region in Malaysia

“…On the other hand, women in developing countries were motivated by a combination of push and pull factors. It is further noted by McClelland et al (2005) that women are increasingly becoming more motivated by the social contribution that their businesses can make to society. Desire for self-fulfillment is an important motivator to start up a business.…”

“…Besides social support, strong ties in the business world do help women in achieving success in their businesses. A study of McClelland et al (2005) showed that the female entrepreneurs in Canada, Singapore and Ireland utilized networking as a means of business development. Other factor such as internal motivation is another important factor that can contribute to success in business.…”

Women entrepreneurship in South Africa: Understanding the role of competencies in business success

“…It also correlates with their business strategy. According to McClelland et al (2005), business owners are known to be moved by 'pull factors' (inner drive) and 'push factors' (outside forces). The 'pull factors' relate to the entrepreneurs desire for independence, to be one's own boss, to pursue a hobby or natural inclination and express one's own creativity, as well as engage in a passion.…”

Family Friendly Entrepreneurship: New Business Formation in Family Spaces

“…In the United Kingdom, very small businesses account for a vast proportion of enterprise (seventy three per cent of all UK enterprises have no employees and seventeen per cent of these, are managed solely by women (Harding 2006)). UK female entrepreneurship is a significant economic and social phenomenon and it is increasing (this is true for other countries too (McClelland et al 2005)), especially in rural areas (Harding 2006). Accordingly, U.K. policy makers are aware that female entrepreneurship offers some solution to the problems of the loss to the economy of highly skilled female labour as a result of family formation (The UK Women's Enterprise Task Force was set up in 2005 as a response to this).…”

“…Specifically, the paper moves forward debates about entrepreneurship as one option available to professional women who experience, suffer or choose fractured careers as a result of motherhood priorities. The arguments here call for an agenda that takes seriously new, entrepreneurial economic actors who are embedded in domestic spaces, a type of business owner who belongs to a growing and significant phenomenon in countries throughout the world (Harding 2006, McClelland et al 2005.…”