Search

Understanding effective marketing decision-making is key to driving business performance. However, knowledge of marketing decision-making by microbusiness owners is limited. Moreover, little is known about how microbusiness owners make marketing decisions under crisis conditions. This article explores entrepreneurial marketing decision-making by women microbusiness owners during the COVID-19 pandemic, through qualitative interviews with providers of children's activities, who migrated their services online during lockdown. Findings shed light on their marketing decision-making by highlighting transitions between causation and effectuation approaches and identifying key resources leveraged in effectuation decision-making. We also observe how distinct principles of effectuation may be combined to make effective marketing decisions. In addition, we discern interactions within networks and membership of communities of practice as collective influences on women microbusiness owners' entrepreneurial marketing decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the entrepreneurial gender gap is decreasing in European economies, the obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs remain numerous and often differ from those encountered by men. The COVID-19 pandemic, and then the energy crisis, have made it even harder for women entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses and have added to the challenges of work and private life. Women entrepreneurs, among many others, had to face how to survive crises and adjust their businesses to new circumstances to become more resilient, remain competitive and sustainable in times of crises, and in particular to improve their digital skills. A new insight is crucial for more efficient entrepreneurial development for women. A cross-country research helps to identify the needs of women entrepreneurs and provide a solid basis for the development of tailor-made activities focusing on innovative and practical solutions to support the up-skilling and resilience of women entrepreneurs. Through a survey conducted with 608 women entrepreneurs from seven European countries, our basic question was how women entrepreneurs managed to get through and become resilient in times of crises. The focus of our analysis is digitalization: did the rapid digital transition help women entrepreneurs become resilient during turbulent times? Did the practicing of digitalization-based resilience strategies (including remote work, online sales and similar approaches) improve women entrepreneurs' operational efficiency and strength? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to amplify theory and practice at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface (MEI) by proposing a revision to the key concept of value creation. Advances in marketing research suggest that value is co-created by means of multiple actors, who integrate their resources within ecosystems. This study, therefore, investigates value co-creation from a MEI perspective. The study is based in Lebanon, a country encountering turbulence and disruption, providing a MENA context. In recognition of local conditions, the methodology is contextually congruent, using socially mediated interviews and panel discussions. Analysis of these data uncovers emergent practices of VCC that are captured in two dimensions of adaptive marketing and online interactions that take place within a digitally enabled but imbalanced entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study offers a revision to theory at the MEI by extending value creation to value co-creation and by showing how value co-creation may be adapted and reconfigured according to local circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given the remarkable increase in entrepreneurial activities initiated by women in the Egyptian context in addition to the scarcity of empirical studies on digital self-employment there, the authors of the present paper aim to identify what motivates women to engage in digital entrepreneurship, and to identify how those women establish their digital entrepreneurial activities. Design/methodology/approach: The authors employed a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 30 women entrepreneurs who own and manage digital businesses. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts. Findings: The authors have found that enjoying absolute independence, securing more time for family, guaranteeing an independent source of income in addition to the ease of accessing extensive online markets are the main motives behind the engagement of women in the Egyptian context in digital entrepreneurship activities. Moreover, the authors have also asserted that the minimal training and government support stimulate women entrepreneurs there to start and continue their digital business activities informally. Originality/value: This paper contributes by filling a gap in entrepreneurship studies in which empirical studies on establishing and managing digital entrepreneurship among women in developing economies has been limited so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research investigates the barriers hindering women from pursuing entrepreneurship as a career choice, particularly in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs rigorous data analysis techniques, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis, on a sample of 590 MBA students, comprising both male and female participants. Findings: The findings reveal that social and psychological factors significantly influence women's decisions regarding entrepreneurship. Social factors such as social stigma and cultural norms, along with psychological factors like societal expectations, emerge as major barriers. Research limitations/implications: The findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and academics in designing interventions to address social and psychological barriers effectively. Recommendations include promoting cultural sensitivity and fostering confidence among women entrepreneurs. Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by quantifying the specific barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in India. It offers insights into advancing gender equity and inclusive economic development through targeted policies and programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are more likely to exit from entrepreneurship for personal reasons; such exits are deemed uneventful and voluntary. We critically evaluate such assumptions by adopting a gendered critique to unpack the nature of such personal reasons arguing that they largely relate to the stress of accommodating incompatible caring/domestic and entrepreneurial labour demands. This, we argue, leads to forced voluntarism which, for many women, instigates conflicting notions of regret, relief and resentment. To explore these arguments, we draw upon in-depth interviews with 16 United Kingdom women entrepreneurs who had voluntarily exited from their ventures citing personal reasons. The evidence describes how women made sense of the decision-making process to exit from entrepreneurship questioning the voluntary nature of the exit decision. We conclude by noting how once again, gendered assumptions conceal the contradictory demands women encounter when trying to reconcile the needs of the household and of their ventures analysing the implications this has for how exit decisions are categorised and the false picture this presents of alleged voluntarism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batik is a textile fabric produced by resist-dyeing techniques which involve waxing some parts of fabric and repeatedly dyeing the fabric until the desired design is achieved. Batik is reported to have originated in Java, Indonesia, and was transferred to African countries including Tanzania in 1980s. Unfortunately, since its introduction, Tanzania's batik industry has remained informal, and little information exists about it. This study examined the current status of the batik industry in Tanzania, its challenges and opportunities for prosperity. Data were collected through observations and semi-structured interviews administered to 60 batik producers and sellers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study established that Tanzania's batik industry is classified as small or medium business, and predominantly owned by women. The challenges established included poor access to funds, scarcity of essential tools and materials, and repetitive motifs and design patterns attributed to lack of creativity among batik producers. However, the study revealed the existence of many opportunities that batik producers can grasp to facilitate the flourishing of the batik industry, thereby creating employment and income for Tanzanians. Nevertheless, proper organization of this industry is essential to ensure it is fully exploited and can contribute significantly to employment, income generation and poverty alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of the scientific literature on women's entrepreneurship in agriculture across developed and developing countries. The paper delineates the evolving landscape, challenges, and opportunities that shape women's entrepreneurship experiences in agriculture in the contexts of developed and developing countries. Through a detailed bibliometric analysis of 728 papers from 1992 to 2022, employing performance analysis and science mapping, our methodology distinguishes itself by quantifying contributions and mapping the thematic evolution within this domain. Our study reveals the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to agricultural innovation, sustainability, and rural development while facing systemic biases, limited access to resources, and societal stereotypes that hinder their entrepreneurial path. The paper underscores the disparity in women's entrepreneurship between developed and developing regions, with developed countries showcasing lower participation rates in agricultural entrepreneurship but a higher presence in decision-making roles within agribusinesses. In contrast, developing countries display a higher engagement of women in entrepreneurship, driven by necessity and marked by significant contributions to food security and economic stability, though under challenging conditions. Notably, the paper highlights the underrepresentation of women's agricultural endeavours in scholarly research, pointing to a gap in the documentation and understanding of their contributions. The study reveals emerging themes such as digital agriculture, climate resilience, sustainability, and innovation, pointing towards future research directions that could further empower women in agriculture. It calls for more inclusive research and policy-making to recognise and support women's vital role in agriculture, advocating for a holistic approach to address women entrepreneurs' challenges in different economic contexts. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in agricultural entrepreneurship and suggests pathways for fostering more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quantitative research analyzes the entrepreneurial competencies of in-migrant women in the Children's Village of the Lambayeque Region. With a sample of 79 women, 39 Peruvian and 40 Venezuelan, online surveys and observation forms were operated for 18 months (2021–2022). Using a Likert scale of 55 questions and nine dimensions, competencies such as opportunity seeking, risk anticipation, persistence, self-exertion, and more were assessed. Data were analyzed using correlations, ANOVA, logistic regression, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results revealed significant differences between nationalities, with Venezuelan women having higher competencies. The study identified two principal components that explain 57.663% of the total variance, representing initiative and quality, as well as control and responsibility. These findings suggest the need for specific training programs to strengthen the entrepreneurial competencies of these women. The inductive methodology and quantitative analysis provided a clear vision of entrepreneurial competencies, contributing to the improvement of support and training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial literacy is of utmost relevance in the field of entrepreneurship, especially in developing countries. However, what builds financial literacy and how it shapes investment decision-making of women entrepreneurs is an exiguously researched area. Building on this gap, this study postulates that women entrepreneurs' prospect behavioural factors (loss aversion, regret aversion, mental accounting, and self-control) impact their investment decision process through the intervening role of financial literacy. Based on a stratified sample of 579 women entrepreneurs operating in Punjab, Pakistan, structural equation modelling was used to analyse the hypothesized relationship among variables. Findings showed that loss aversion, regret aversion, mental accounting, and self-control significantly influenced women's financial literacy and investment decision process, whereas no impact of regret aversion was traced on investment decision-making. Thus, our results offered robust support that financial literacy stimulated by women entrepreneurs' prospect behaviour invigorates their investment decision power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on women's economic empowerment in Bangladesh. Based on the available literature, this paper develops a holistic framework for economic empowerment and measures how COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to changes in the framework. The study adopts a quantitative research method to address the research question; of whether and to what extent women entrepreneurs were economically empowered by their businesses during COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical data was collected from 52 Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs via telephone interviews and online surveys using a structured questionnaire in February–March 2022, and respondents were chosen randomly from various online social groups and pages. The findings suggest that women entrepreneurs have contributed to family spending, resource allocation, and decision-making. However, their role has diminished significantly in asset ownership during the pandemic. In addition, women's attitudes toward violence, social stigma, and education have shifted dramatically. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs face several challenges, including a lack of government support, limited availability of credit, a lack of entrepreneurial education, and an increased responsibility in the family. Although numerous research studies have demonstrated how COVID-19 pandemic affected women during the pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on economic empowerment through gender lenses has frequently been disregarded in Bangladesh context. This study bridges that gap, particularly in developing economies context and the framework constructed in this study is instrumental for understanding the dynamics of economic empowerment that can be applied in future research.

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of the scientific literature on women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture across developed and developing countries. The paper delineates the evolving landscape, challenges, and opportunities that shape women’s entrepreneurship experiences in agriculture in the contexts of developed and developing countries. Through a detailed bibliometric analysis of 728 papers from 1992 to 2022, employing performance analysis and science mapping, our methodology distinguishes itself by quantifying contributions and mapping the thematic evolution within this domain. Our study reveals the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to agricultural innovation, sustainability, and rural development while facing systemic biases, limited access to resources, and societal stereotypes that hinder their entrepreneurial path. The paper underscores the disparity in women’s entrepreneurship between developed and developing regions, with developed countries showcasing lower participation rates in agricultural entrepreneurship but a higher presence in decision-making roles within agribusinesses. In contrast, developing countries display a higher engagement of women in entrepreneurship, driven by necessity and marked by significant contributions to food security and economic stability, though under challenging conditions. Notably, the paper highlights the underrepresentation of women’s agricultural endeavours in scholarly research, pointing to a gap in the documentation and understanding of their contributions. The study reveals emerging themes such as digital agriculture, climate resilience, sustainability, and innovation, pointing towards future research directions that could further empower women in agriculture. It calls for more inclusive research and policy-making to recognise and support women’s vital role in agriculture, advocating for a holistic approach to address women entrepreneurs’ challenges in different economic contexts. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in agricultural entrepreneurship and suggests pathways for fostering more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices.

Despite the recognized importance and active promotion of entrepreneurship, a significant gap persists between genders in terms of entrepreneurial engagement. We delve into the entrepreneurial identity and propensity among women in the agricultural and agri-food industries of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), analyzing the entrepreneurship environment within this agriculture-centric small island economy. We aim to unravel the reasons behind the limited advancement of women in entrepreneurship, notwithstanding the array of institutional and policy interventions established on the island. We conducted twelve semi-structured interviews with women entrepreneurs within the agricultural and agri-food industries in SVG. Data analysis was approached through a constructivist lens, employing narrative analysis to discern emergent themes within the interview transcripts. Furthermore, we integrated a post-structuralist feminist perspective to deepen our examination of gender dynamics, assessing how they bolster or impede the entrepreneurial identity and propensity among women in SVG. The interviews indicated that SVG’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, comprising factors that facilitate entrepreneurship, is imbued with gender biases, making it challenging for women to penetrate entrepreneurship networks and secure financial and institutional support, attributed to prevalent gender stereotypes. Crucially, the interaction with fellow women entrepreneurs emerged as vital, affording participants a sense of identity and community. Observing and interacting with successful female entrepreneurs facilitates the development and reinforcement of women’s entrepreneurial identities. Moreover, regional attributes characterizing women-led businesses in SVG suggest that societal expectations typically confine women’s entrepreneurial efforts to the cottage industry, which are perceived to be smaller in scale compared to men’s firms, reinforcing the stereotype that women lack the capacity for successful business leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is based on the importance of entrepreneurial skills and leadership style in influencing business performance, especially for women entrepreneurs. In the age of globalization and increasingly intense competition, women entrepreneurs must possess sufficient skills and apply efficient leadership styles in order to achieve the best business outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which entrepreneurial skills and leadership styles impact the business performance of women entrepreneurs. This study involved women entrepreneurs in Bekasi district with 100 respondents randomly selected as the research sample. Information was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using the Smart PLS (Partial Least Squares) technique to test the research model and hypotheses. The analysis found that entrepreneurial ability and leadership style have a major impact on firm performance. The entrepreneurial capability has been shown to make a significant contribution to improving operational efficiency and the ability to innovate, while a flexible and inspiring leadership style is able to improve team motivation and performance. It was found that it is important for women entrepreneurs to develop appropriate competencies and leadership styles to support their business success.

Extended Abstract Background: Entrepreneurship plays a very important role as the main driver of economic transformation and growth in global societies. This dynamic and creative process includes identifying new opportunities, developing innovative ideas, forming expert teams, attracting financial resources, offering new products, and opening new markets. Women entrepreneurs in rural industries play a key role in the economic and social empowerment of themselves and local communities. They help to improve the social and economic situation by creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment, and at the same time, by preserving and reviving local culture and transferring traditional knowledge and skills, they contribute to the sustainable development and cultural progress of rural communities. Entrepreneurial leadership, which includes Abilities such as motivating the team and promoting innovative ideas are considered one of the key elements in the success of entrepreneurs. Considering that the concept of entrepreneurship is expanding rapidly and the presence of women in the field of entrepreneurship is an issue that has been seriously considered by the world community. Deep in various sciences and techniques, it has caused the transformation and change of structures from traditional forms to more complex structures. To obtain any type of job in the 21st-century world, it is necessary to have a suitable level of professional skills, which are generally obtained through education. They are afraid of entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, there is a need for entrepreneurship training for rural women, which can help empower them and guide them towards entrepreneurial activities. This research focuses on the relationship between the different dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership and the entrepreneurial intention of rural women who are members of credit funds. Wisdom is concentrated in Ardabil province, especially when this leadership is combined with entrepreneurship education. Methods: The research was applied in terms of purpose, descriptive correlation in terms of data collection, and field implementation. In this research, rural women entrepreneurs who are members of microcredit funds with 1900 members in Ardabil province, who are active in the fields of animal husbandry, native chicken breeding, honey bee breeding, medicinal plant production, dairy production, and handicraft and agricultural production, were investigated. The sampling method is stratified random and 320 people were selected as a sample based on Cochran's formula. To collect data, three questionnaires including an entrepreneurial leadership questionnaire, a women's entrepreneurship questionnaire, and an entrepreneurship education questionnaire were used. The face and content validity of these questionnaires were confirmed by the university professors and considering that the factor loadings for all obvious variables were above 0.5, none of the items were left out. Also, the internal integrity of the used tools was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which showed that all the calculated values are more than 0.7, which can be concluded that the tool has the necessary reliability. The data have been analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and methods such as confirmatory factor analysi s and structural equation models have been used to investigate the relationships between variables. SPSS22 and LISREL10 software were used for data analysis. Results: The results of this research indicate that the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership include facilitation (perception, communication, and empowerment), support (commitment, motivation, and emotional intelligence), guidance (inspiration, goal orientation, and modeling), and coaching (team and partnership) with Special emphasis on entrepreneurship training affects the entrepreneurial intention of rural women in Ardabil province. This research specifically shows how different dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership can strengthen the entrepreneurial intention of rural women through entrepreneurship education. This research emphasizes the importance of providing supportive conditions and creating suitable platforms for entrepreneurship education and shows that such actions can help to develop entrepreneurship and improve the economic and social situation in rural areas. In other words, this research examines the vital role of entrepreneurship education in improving the impact of entrepreneurial leadership dimensions and provides practical suggestions to the officials and planners of rural affairs in Ardabil province.

Policy makers, particularly in developing countries, view entrepreneurship as a stepping stone for achieving women's economic empowerment. However, simply attaching women to the labour market and providing them access to financial resources may not transform their economic well-being unless it is accompanied by agencies such as financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation. In this context, we empirically test the seminal theoretical framework of Kabeer (1999) for understanding women empowerment, using primary data for 820 Indian rural women entrepreneurs. Employing alternate empirical specifications and using instrumental variable regression to address the potential endogeneity of financial literacy, we find that financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation play important roles in enhancing financial well-being, our measure of economic empowerment. The results hold even after controlling for the experience of the entrepreneur, family support and strength of social network. The findings call for designing interventions to foster financial literacy among poor women entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship is often associated with masculinity as well as symbolic and actual male bodies, which creates discursive and material constraints for women entrepreneurs. This study synthesizes an intersectional reinscription analysis and new materialist approaches to agency to explore 34 mainland Chinese women entrepreneurs' identity construction or boundary-makings in and beyond their work encounters with various actors. Materializing through participants' narratives are abstract, intangible 'ideas/ideals' that become real 'things' capable of stirring/halting/altering women's entrepreneurial activity, including 'the feminine,' 'family harmony,' 'stable job,' and 'Chinese traditions.' Already within and as open-ended relations, these nonhuman agents also get reconfigured in encountering women's entrepreneurial enactments, whereby situated systems of power (apart from gender and occupation) also arise. Practically, this study maps potential sites of intervention in gendered entrepreneurship ecosystems and highlights cultural, work-life, and political insights shown through participants' boundary-making practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While uncertainty has long been a subject of scholarly interest, research has largely neglected the responses of women entrepreneurs during times of uncertainty. Women entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected by uncertainty and subject to unique challenges which may be amplified in developing countries bound by culture and patriarchal social structures. Drawing on extent research showing the importance of psychological capital (that is self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience) to entrepreneurial efforts, this study is the first to examine the intersection of women entrepreneurs' psychological capital and their experience of emotions, particularly in a context of uncertainty. Interviews with 40 women entrepreneurs from a small-scale flower industry in Sri Lanka were conducted and thematically analyzed to examine why some women entrepreneurs are not only able to survive, but also thrive during uncertainty. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between women entrepreneurs' psychological capital, positive and negative emotions, and task orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revisits the female underperformance hypothesis by investigating the influence of CEO gender on key performance factors for VC funded firms from 2011–2016. We used a matched case-control sample approach to reduce the confounding influence of industry sector on gender differences for four key performance outcomes – total capital, raised total rounds of funding, successful exit or business failure. Results show gender does not predict funding raised or firm performance, and that key legitimacy markers, including elite education, external endorsement and high-status investors, offset potential gender discounts for women-led firms. Implications are that the female underperformance hypothesis should not be perpetuated as a legitimizing myth or stereotype predicting performance of women entrepreneurs in management studies. In practice, VCs should not rule out investments or expect poor performance based on CEO gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present research has sought to analyze the experience of women entrepreneurs in Sanandaj city from social inequality. Social inequality includes many dimensions and angles, including gender, work, time and place, etc. The present research has questioned this about women entrepreneurs in Sanandaj. Entrepreneurship, as a new phenomenon in the economy, has found an effective role in the economic development and progress of countries. Today, entrepreneurship has a key role in a competitive and marketbased economy, but it has limitations and obstacles for women. The status of women's entrepreneurship around the world reflects gender inequalities in the external environment, which are often more obvious for women than men, and such inequalities lead to unequal access to resources and opportunities. Therefore, taking into account the views of three theorists in the field of social inequality - Chaffetz, Fogel and Elaine Wright - their analysis of social inequality in a link with gender inequality, social opportunity and work and production conditions has been discussed. Method: The method used is interpretive phenomenology, and it is devoted to the understanding and interpretation of women's experiences of inequality in the field of entrepreneurship in Sanandaj city. The statistical population of this research includes 17 women entrepreneurs located in Sanandaj city, who work in the fields of industry, services, agriculture and handicrafts, and are known as entrepreneurs. Purposive sampling was used to conduct semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation. The fourstep process of data analysis includes 1) reading and understanding the entirety of the data text. 2) Hominization and summarization of data. 3) Formation of semantic. 4) A careful rethinking of the identified themes, commonalities and differences in them, general themes and feedbacks of the interviewees are extracted. Results: The results showed that 275 concepts, 16 primary categories and 5 secondary categories including "multiple sufferings", "marginal entrepreneurship" and "double genetic inequality", "physical and appearance complications" and "economic crisis and "inflation" whose interpretation indicates lack of adequate income, lack of financial and emotional family support for the entrepreneur, legal and administrative barriers to work, pressure to work and being alone, which are mixed with gender inequality and complications caused by hard work. The obstacles in the path of female entrepreneurs, compared to male entrepreneurs, show that, most of the obstacles that women struggle with, the existence of barriers related to gender, for the female entrepreneurs studied, from the family to the administrative work process. And the process of selling products and services exists, and it has been institutionalized in most dimensions and areas, which gradually causes the issue of women entrepreneurship in Sannandaj city to face serious and unsolvable obstacles and problems. to be Barriers are gender and family, rather than legal and financial barriers, while financial and legal labor barriers are more obvious for men. Entrepreneurship in the city of Sanandaj is on the sidelines compared to the areas of entrepreneurship and development, and this has caused major obstacles for women entrepreneurship. The risk of business closure and non-sale of products due to inflation has also aggravated these obstacles and inequality. The risk of business closure and non-sale of products due to inflation has also aggravated these obstacles and inequality. Women entrepreneurs of Sanandaj city, compared to women entrepreneurs in big cities, see themselves in more unequal conditions, which is the result of marginal and unequal entrepreneurship in Kurdistan province and especially Sanandaj city. The indifference of the officials and the government towards the development of entrepreneurship in Sanandaj city, and the continuation of the inflation and economic crisis, can face women entrepreneurs with more serious problems and issues. Conclusion: Due to the desire of women entrepreneurs and also the existence of great potentials in the fields of tourism (expansion of ecotourism stays), handicrafts (purple-weaving, embroidery, leather, kalash-weaving, local clothing) ) and agriculture (strawberry cultivation, animal husbandry, silkworm breeding) can be transformed into actual capacities by investing and supporting the government in these sectors and strengthening them, and many people, especially encouraged women towards entrepreneurship in these fields, and the government should provide incentives and provide basic facilities and financial support to women entrepreneurs to create employment for them. Therefore, in order to reduce these obstacles and facilitate women's entrepreneurship, it is necessary to take measures such as providing facilities and loans, removing the bureaucratic process, and providing spiritual and financial support to women entrepreneurs, according to the potential of Sanandaj city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, various crises have negatively affected the financial stability, job security, and health of countless individuals. According to research, different factors that operate at both the individual and contextual levels can play a prominent role in influencing people's self-employment during periods of economic downturn. This study investigates the changes in the likelihood of self-employment by gender and age across various contexts following sudden shocks. By analyzing the intersection of occupational choice and business cycle theories, this research offers insights into how crises affect people's ability to work for themselves. Using a sample of over 250,000 individuals from sixteen countries and applying a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the results confirm that women and older individuals are less inclined to be self-employed in general. However, unexpected economic recessions may lead to a slight increase in their likelihood of self-employment. Furthermore, when women and seniors live in a higher GDP per capita context, this context positively moderates the relationship between gender, age, and the propensity for entrepreneurship. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote resilient self-employment among vulnerable individuals for post-crisis recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender equality is crucial for Indonesia's sustainable development, given that women represent nearly half the population. Despite their significant economic contributions, Indonesian women face considerable challenges in entrepreneurship, largely due to gender disparities. Purpose: This study examines how Information and Communication Technology (ICT), social capital, and psychological factors impact women's entrepreneurship empowerment in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: Using survey data from 176 female MSME entrepreneurs and structural equation modeling, the study explores the relationships between ICT, social capital, psychological capital, and empowerment. Findings/Results: ICT enhances both social and psychological capital, which in turn positively impacts women's entrepreneurship empowerment. Conclusion: Integrating ICT, social capital, and psychological capital provides new insights into women's empowerment in developing economies. Recommendations include improving ICT infrastructure, social networking, and psychological support programs. Originality/Value (State of the Art): The study offers a novel approach by linking ICT, social capital, and psychological capital to women's empowerment in entrepreneurship, particularly in a developing country context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women entrepreneurs in rural Ecuador face significant obstacles, including limited access to education, financial services, and business networks. Despite their vital role in the economy, gender inequalities hinder their success. This study protocol aims to evaluate the impact of a tailored business training program designed to empower rural women entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), the program will assess improvements in women's agency, confidence, and business performance. Key results include a 54% increase in perceived self-efficacy and a 200% increase in locus of control observed in the pre-pilot phase, indicating enhanced decision-making capacities and program effectiveness. Expected improvements in business performance will be measured by sales figures and financial growth, with anticipated positive impacts on SDG 8. The program will also track participation rates, with high enrollment and completion rates contributing to SDG 4. Additionally, financial stability and the number of engaged suppliers will be monitored, supporting SDG 8. By incorporating additional structural interventions, the study will offer insights into enhancing the empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs, creating a holistic impact that fosters both individual and community development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and types of social networks created by entrepreneurs are important factors influencing business performance. This study examined how social networks influence the performance of agribusinesses owned by young women, as well as the moderating effects of business environments on these relationships. Data were collected from a sample of 365 young women agri-food processing business owners in Benin. Moderated multiple regression methods were used to test the suggested hypotheses including the interaction effects of business environment. Network size, network centrality, competitive network, and supportive network each has a positive effect on the performance of agribusinesses owned by young women. Network size and network centrality are more beneficial when barriers in business environment are low than when they are high. The two-way interactions of network types (competitive and supportive) and business environment on business performance were not significant. Drawing on social capital theory, this study provides a contingent perspective of network size and network centrality in a developing country context. The findings of the study provide useful guidelines for young women agribusiness owners on which social ties to develop. Rules and regulations on taxes need to be streamlined and made more flexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncorrected presbyopia has been shown to reduce Zanzibari women's quality of life. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the subjective wellbeing and self-reported work performance among older women entrepreneurs with functional presbyopia before and shortly after correction, and how poor vision at close distance affected their daily lives. Women entrepreneurs underwent eye examination to identify those with uncorrected functional presbyopia. Their subjective wellbeing and work performance were both measured in Cantril's ladder. Ready-made glasses were then provided and 30 minutes to an hour later, their subjective wellbeing and work performance was remeasured. Twenty women entrepreneurs were interviewed to understand their lived experience with uncorrected presbyopia. Two-hundred-seventeen women entrepreneurs were included in the survey (mean age 51.6 years, SD 8.64). Women entrepreneurs had a mean subjective wellbeing score of 3.32 (SD 1.10) pre-correction and 5.99 (SD 1.13) post-correction (p <.001), and a mean self-rated current work performance score of 4.62 (SD 1.36) before correction and 5.47 (SD 1.35) post-correction (p <.001). One-hundred-and-ninety (87.6%) and 121 women entrepreneurs (55.8%) rated their current subjective wellbeing and work performance scores < 5, respectively. Around 1/4 of women entrepreneurs reported having severe difficulties with near tasks. Poor vision at a close distance caused by uncorrected functional presbyopia negatively affected economic, physical and psychosocial aspects of women entrepreneurs' lives. Subjective wellbeing and self-reported work productivity scores improved significantly shortly after presbyopia was corrected. More research with longer follow-up is needed to understand the full benefits of correcting presbyopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, a growing number of women have been becoming entrepreneurs and assuming a greater percentage of leader roles in the world. In this research, we develop a model, grounded in a family embeddedness perspective and expectancy violations theory, that explores why and when women entrepreneurs behave dominantly in the workplace, and what consequences this pattern produces. We propose that when a female entrepreneur is the primary income earner at home, she is more likely to behave dominantly in the workplace, and subsequently, her workplace dominance is positively related to subjective firm performance. Less industry experience strengthens the positive relationship between being the primary income earner and workplace dominance, and further accentuates the indirect effect of being the primary income earner on subjective firm performance through workplace dominance. Data collected from 58 women entrepreneurs and 271 members of their top management teams in China through a two-wave survey support our hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We offer a critical intervention to decolonize organizational communication from the roots by interrogating the basic assumptions of "organizing" and foregrounding alternatives that draw on nonwestern languages, cultures, and philosophies. Centering language and the lived experiences of two marginalized women organizing actors in China through 10-year consecutive ethnographies, we propose Tong as a theoretical framework that offers three branches to privilege subaltern knowledge and organizing praxes: (1) Bian Tong : approaching organizing as constant form-shaping whereby organizing essence/goals emerge through changes; (2) Hui Tong : understanding organizing knowledge as relational, and achieved through a confluence of the agentic interplay of time, place, and people; and (3) He Tong : highlighting organizing as the creation of possible pathways against opposing forces by remaining still and nurturing. Grounded in local languages and indigenous philosophies, our work serves as a decolonial intervention to disrupt deep-seated Eurocentric assumptions and to stimulate theoretical imagination to foreground organizing from the margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A firm's ability to compete effectively depends on matching its internal operations with various exterior contexts. This research investigated the impact of strategic fit orientation on business agility among female entrepreneurs in Lagos state, Nigeria's non-oil export sector. This study used a descriptive and quantitative approach to gather information from four hundred and two (402) selected female entrepreneurs actively engaged in non-oil exporting activities in the agribusiness, textile, and information and technology business processing industry. The respondents were purposefully determined, while the data were analyzed using measurement and structural modeling. This study reveals that strategic fit orientation significantly mediates firm strategies and business agility. This means that women entrepreneurs should continually develop structures and strategies to stay agile and strategically fit in the business environment. They are to adapt their objectives strategically to reduce potential risks and assess situations and possible consequences of threats to remain dynamic in the business environment. This study addressed the gap between strategic fit orientation and business agility in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the dynamic role and contributions of various financial institutions and government agencies, highlighting their lending schemes in supporting the growth of small-scale women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Using an empirical research approach, data were gathered from the districts of Tirunelveli, Theni, Virudhunagar, and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, and Mandya, Udupi, Bagalkot, and Raichur in Karnataka. A structured interview schedule and stratified random sampling method yielded samples of 463 women-led SSIs from Tamil Nadu and 423 from Karnataka. Statistical analyses, including percentage analysis, rank tests, chisquare tests, and t-tests, reveal variations between small-scale women entrepreneurs across both states regarding awareness and satisfaction with the diverse lending schemes provided by financial institutions and support agencies. Findings show that many entrepreneurs have accessed financial assistance through these schemes and express high satisfaction. Overall, both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka report strong fulfilment with the general services offered. It is recommended that government agencies actively monitor the effectiveness of training programs to ensure they reach and benefit the intended women entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study sought to explore how women entrepreneurs leverage the Internet to empower their entrepreneurial activities in the Chinese context. To this end, we first conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 women entrepreneurs, and then analyzed their transcripts by following the principles of thematic analysis from grounded theory method. After the three-phase coding procedure, we developed a conceptual model of Internet use of women entrepreneurs which were composed of Internet marketing, Internet purchasing, and Internet learning. The current study provides the first evidence for the multidimensional construct of Internet use with a sample of women entrepreneurs in China. A hypothesis concerning the relationship between Internet use and women entrepreneurial performance is proposed for future investigation. Implications for women entrepreneurs and policymakers are discussed. Plain language summary: With the proliferation of digital technologies, an increasing number of women entrepreneurs leverage the Internet to run their businesses. But how do women entrepreneurs incorporate the Internet into their businesses in ways that make them feel empowered? In this article, we investigate this question by conducting semi-structured interviews with 30 Chinese female entrepreneurs and analyzing their transcripts via grounded theory method. Results show that the conceptual model of Internet use from a lens of female entrepreneurs encompasses Internet marketing, Internet purchasing, and Internet learning, which constitutes our major contribution to the literature on women entrepreneurship. We hypothesize that these Internet use has the potential to improve the entrepreneurial performance of women and recommend further studies in this regard. Based on our findings, we provide policymakers with suggestions to digitally empower women entrepreneurs, and offer women entrepreneurs implications on the effective use of new digital technologies. However, since all the interviewees came from China, the dimensions of Internet use identified in our article may not be applicable to women entrepreneurs in other cultural contexts with different digital environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to compare entrepreneurial self-efficacy and psychological well-being as well as the relationships between these constructs in Brazilian and Argentinean female entrepreneurs. A total of 404 women participated in a survey during a development program at two universities located on the border. The results point to several similarities, which can promote rapprochement and development, and differences, which, if not managed assertively, can lead to conflicts. The results demonstrate associations between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and psychological well-being, thereby expanding the entrepreneurship literature. This study develops the understanding of motivation in entrepreneurial cognition, redefines entrepreneurial success, boaden the scope of women's entrepreneurial role in this border region, and identifies elements to promote cooperation between female entrepreneurs in both countries. From a managerial point of view, the research shows the need for managers to be aware of cultural differences in everyday actions and negotiations within these territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to explore the role of banks in supporting women agriculture entrepreneurs (WAEs) to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focusses on the experiences of women entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector, recognising their vital role in driving economic growth and achieving the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach: The study utilises the role congruity theory and the feminist agri-food systems model as its theoretical framework. Qualitative data from 35 WAEs and 7 bank managers (BMs) responsible for agricultural financial services and business development are collected and thematically analysed to achieve the research objectives. Findings: Although BMs claim they offer specialised financial products with dedicated support teams, WAEs express scepticism due to fears of unfavourable deals and excessive requirements. WAEs need more understanding of SDGs but recognise their substantial contributions. BMs acknowledge the need to enhance efforts, improve communication of offers and integrate SDGs across all business operations beyond agriculture and women-centric initiatives. Practical implications: Banks must prioritise gender sensitivity and inclusivity for WAEs, offering tailored financial products and flexible loan structures. Microfinance and strategic marketing can enhance outreach. WAEs benefit from forming associations, accessing support networks, collaborating with banks, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and agricultural associations for mentoring and networking, and achieving the SDGs and sustainable agriculture. Originality/value: The study connects WAEs and banks in achieving SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to assess current practices supporting women's entrepreneurship and employment in Serbia. Based on the findings, recommendations are developed to enhance national and local policies in this area, alongside indicators for monitoring progress. The research includes an analysis of the legal and institutional framework, supplemented by data from surveys of local self-government unit (LSGU) representatives and focus groups involving women entrepreneurs and city administration officials. The research spans the period from 2019 to 2022. Key findings underscore significant barriers encountered by women entrepreneurs, such as inadequate access to financial resources, limited educational programs, and a lack of mentorship opportunities. Recommendations encompass the introduction of specialized support programs, the integration of a gender perspective across all facets of the legal and institutional framework, and ongoing alignment with European and international standards. These proposals are expected to bolster national and local policies, thereby fostering improved economic participation and sustainability in women's entrepreneurship. Future research should concentrate on the long-term impacts of these policies and comparative analyses with countries that have adopted advanced, gender-sensitive entrepreneurial policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article builds on the stressor-strain-outcome framework to explain how entrepreneurial stressors (stressor) and emotional exhaustion (strain) hinder the growth intentions of women entrepreneurs (outcome). A stress-buffering hypothesis is also used to explain how peer support can buffer the entrepreneurial stressor – emotional exhaustion – growth intention relationship. Using a sample of 300 South African women entrepreneurs, our evidence demonstrates that in addition to a significant direct effect on growth intentions, entrepreneurial stressors also contribute to an increase in emotional exhaustion. This, in turn, hinders the growth intentions of women entrepreneurs. We argue that peer support plays a vital buffering role by significantly reducing the effect of entrepreneurial stressors on emotional exhaustion, shielding women entrepreneurs from the adverse effects of entrepreneurial stressors upon venture growth intentions. Finally, implications for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]