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Going green: women entrepreneurs and the environment

Patrice Braun (Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, Australia)

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship

ISSN: 1756-6266

Article publication date: 28 September 2010

3143

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore whether women entrepreneurs may be more engaged with green issues than their male counterparts. The study was undertaken to add to our understanding of gendered attitudes and behaviours around green entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a mixed method exploratory study consisting of quantitative datasets from two regional studies on environmental attitudes and behaviour and qualitative data generated as part of an Australian green entrepreneurship training program.

Findings

The study found that participating women had stronger environmental attitudes and commitment to the green entrepreneurship program than males, suggesting that women entrepreneurs may be more engaged in green issues than male entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

Given the exploratory study approach, research results lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed framework.

Practical implications

Understanding gendered behaviours has implications for policy and education in terms of greening the small business sector. It also has implications for business innovation, the green marketplace and a sustainable post‐carbon future.

Originality/value

The paper helps lay the foundation for comprehensive research on women entrepreneurs' engagement with environmental issues and green entrepreneurship.

Keywords

Citation

Braun, P. (2010), "Going green: women entrepreneurs and the environment", International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 245-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/17566261011079233

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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