Gender-Role Orientation as a Determinant of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) is often included in entrepreneurial intentions models to explain why some individuals are more likely than others to become entrepreneurs. An unsettled question among researchers is whether ESE differs between men and women. While early studies seem to suggest that men have higher ESE than women, more recent studies are inconclusive. Lacking empirical support for gender differences in ESE compels researchers to look for other factors to explain variation in entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The present study confirms two recent studies by finding no significant difference in ESE between men and women in a representative sample of MBA students. This finding leads to an investigation of gender-role orientation as a possible determinant of differences in entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Results indicate that the relationship between gender-role orientation and entrepreneurial self-efficacy is complex and multifaceted. Early in the venture creation process, the searching and planning tasks demand creativity and innovation where a strong mix of masculine and feminine traits (androgyny) improves performance. Later in the venture creation process, an individual (male or female) with a strong masculine orientation seems better suited for undertaking entrepreneurial tasks associated with persuading and leading others.

Female Entrepreneurship in Kenya: How do Female Micro-Entrepreneurs Learn to be Entrepreneurial?

“…This is a person's belief in his or her capability to perform a particular task and is based upon past experience and anticipation of future obstacles (Mueller & Dato-on, 2008;Wang, Prieto, & Hinrichs, 2010). Because it affects one's beliefs about whether or not specific goals are attainable, if self-efficacy is low, an individual will not act, even if there is a perceived social approval for that behaviour (Mueller & Dato-on, 2008) thus affecting the entrepreneurial learning ability of the individual. The good news is that a supportive environment promotes (Wang, Prieto, & Hinrichs, 2010).…”

“…The good news is that a supportive environment promotes (Wang, Prieto, & Hinrichs, 2010). Entrepreneurial self-efficacy has generally been found to be stronger in male entrepreneurs than in female entrepreneurs (Mueller & Dato-on, 2008). …”

“…However, women-owned businesses account for only 25 to 33 per cent of all global businesses (Kiraka, Kobia, & Katwalo, 2013). Many factors have been blamed for this under-representation of women among business owners among them being socialisation and lack of motivation when considering entrepreneurship as a career choice (Mueller & Dato-On, 2008). …”

“…In the context of entrepreneurship, this belief is referred to as entrepreneurial self efficacy (Mueller & Dato-on, 2008;Wang, Prieto, & Hinrichs, 2010). Lack of confidence and self belief has negative effects on an individual's achievement motivation (Mueller & Dato-on, 2008;Vyakarnam, 1998) and consequently on the entrepreneurial learning process. A big proportion of the respondents studied did not portray confidence in their ability to achieve what they set out to achieve.…”

Does Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Predict Discontinuation of Venture Idea Development?

“…They suggest that the actual tasks of entrepreneurs in a chronological order should be taken as the base (Drnovsĕk, et al, 2010;McGee, et al, 2009;Mueller & Conway Dato-On, 2008). For instance, Mueller and Conway Dato-On (2008) identify four different steps and respective tasks of entrepreneurs. The first step is the development of a unique idea or identification of a special opportunity.…”