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Article
Publication date: 8 June 2015

Nancy Hodges, Kittichai Watchravesringkan, Jennifer Yurchisin, Elena Karpova, Sara Marcketti, Jane Hegland, Ruoh-Nan Yan and Michelle Childs

– The purpose of this study was to explore strategies used by successful female entrepreneurs to manage the challenges of running a small apparel business.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore strategies used by successful female entrepreneurs to manage the challenges of running a small apparel business.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was used. Primary and secondary data were collected on small business in three countries: Russia, South Africa and Thailand. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 11 female small apparel business owners. Businesses ranged from tailoring and custom clothing shops, to small-scale design and production, as well as small apparel retail stores.

Findings

Three emergent themes highlight the similarities and differences that surfaced across the participants’ narratives. Key issues within the thematic areas point to the need for these women to be creative in finding resources to start and grow their small apparel businesses, and to manage the competition that they face within this industry.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to generalize the findings of this study beyond the sample. Implications of the findings for understanding the needs of female apparel entrepreneurs and small business owners are considered.

Originality/value

Despite the significance of women to the apparel industry as well as small business ownership, thus far, the role of women as apparel entrepreneurs and small business owners has been under-examined in the literature. This study offers insight into what it is like for women seeking to succeed as apparel entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Details

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-6266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Jodyanne Jane Kirkwood

Women and men business owners are often thought to have different success criteria for their businesses, but there is little empirical research to support this. The purpose of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Women and men business owners are often thought to have different success criteria for their businesses, but there is little empirical research to support this. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of self-defined success factors, and to compare women and men’s success criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 216 New Zealand business owners’ (78 women, 138 men) self-perceived success criteria for their businesses. Results are based primarily on an open-ended question on their interpretation of what success means to them. In total, 30 main categories of success factors were identified, and the four main factors analyzed in depth.

Findings

The four most frequently occurring success factors were financial success, personal satisfaction, work-life/work-family balance, and satisfied stakeholders. Women and men business owners described very similar success criteria, which were balanced across financial success and personal and relationship factors. No statistically significant gender differences were found in the incidence of these success factors, suggesting a movement of male business owners to a more holistic view of business success that incorporates financial success, alongside personal and relationship aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Offers implications for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. Highlights the need to be careful when designing research studies in multi-faceted areas such as business success, and also in gender comparative studies.

Originality/value

Uses self-perceived success criteria to assess gender differences.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2024

Nupur Kuhar and V. Shunmugasundaram

This study aims to investigate the effect of push, pull, balanced, and emotional factors on the motivational level of female entrepreneurship in Haryana state, India.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of push, pull, balanced, and emotional factors on the motivational level of female entrepreneurship in Haryana state, India.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted in Haryana's five districts among 384 women entrepreneurs using a convenience sampling method with a structured questionnaire. This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study found that Push, Emotional Factors, and Challenges have a significant impact on the motivational level of women’s entrepreneurship and Challenges only mediate with the Push and Pull factors.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of results based on data from a few districts of Haryana state in India. A cross-sectional study was performed as a Longitudinal study helps in analyzing the changing character of women entrepreneurs and the prime reasons behind their success. Non-probability sampling technique was used in the study whereas probability sampling technique promotes reliability and reduces systematic error and sampling bias.

Practical implications

Pull factors can be promoted through mentoring, counseling, and entrepreneurship training programs. Creating a conducive external environment with job security and financial support from external agencies is essential. The Government of India should take the necessary steps to reduce the hindrances faced by women entrepreneurship while raising funds through banks and financial institutions.

Originality/value

The study employed a mediating variable, challenges, to investigate the impact of factors on the motivational levels of women entrepreneurs. To the best of our knowledge, this approach has not been utilized in previous research, making the current study a novel contribution to the field.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

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