A Look at Women's Transition From Formal Labor to Self-Employment Based on Endogenous Stimuli

Abstract

It is not allowed the use for commercial purposes. Este artigo pode ser copiado, distribuído, exibido, transmitido ou adaptado desde que citados, de forma clara e explícita, o nome da revista, a edição, o ano e as páginas nas quais o artigo foi publicado originalmente, mas sem sugerir que a RAM endosse a reutilização do artigo. Esse termo de licenciamento deve ser explicitado para os casos de reutilização ou distribuição para terceiros. Não é permitido o uso para fins comerciais. ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the stimuli that lead women to leave formal jobs and seek self-employment. originality/value: Changes in the social patterns and lifestyle of the population have made research aimed at career and gender gain relevance. There is, however, a lack of research on women who have left their organizations and the main stimuli of this movement, exogenously and endogenously driven, which are relevant as result of social and cultural factors intrinsic to the family environment that leads to a career change. design/methodology/approach: The qualitative methodology of narrative analysis was used, adequate to the examination of the phenomenon in question. Findings:The following stimuli were highlighted: self-fulfillment and search for flexibility; professional achievement; personal challenges; high level of career ambition; and search for a feminine identity. The results diverged in relation to the existing literature, mainly focused on exogenous factors. Although mentioning difficulties in reconciling work with domestic activities, the professionals under study, previously occupying formal positions in companies, did not perceive or did not undergo any type of limitation at work, such as the phenomenon of glass ceiling, difficulties in working on the masculinized leadership model, family pressures, and fear of misuse of sexuality. Entrepreneurship emerged mainly as a career option as a form of personal self-actualization and not through imposition arising from social, family or labor difficulties.

A Dynamic Model of Employees’ Transition to Entrepreneur: A Cognitive Mapping Approach

“…Women, and to a lesser extent men and particularly single fathers, often face heavy pressure to find the right work and family balance. Caregiving responsibility has traditionally been considered a woman's role, so women employees often experience WFC between motherhood and a professional job (e.g., Duberley & Carrigan, 2013;Ferreira et al, 2018;Thébaud, 2016). Challenges with work-family balance may also be evident for some women who decide to give up their career or pass up a job opportunity when they encounter co-career issues with their spouse's job (DeMartino & Barbato, 2003;Thébaud, 2016).…”

“…Work-life balance (WLB) significantly influences an individual's entrepreneurial career choice. The pursuit of WLB was particularly connected to women entrepreneurs because many women leave their company in search of more flexible working conditions so they can care for their children (e.g., Ferreira et al, 2018;Mallon & Cohen, 2001;Patterson & Mavin, 2009;Terjesen, 2005). However, older workers also showed a preference for flexibility in their job.…”

“…Seeking career prospects. Entrepreneurs are often described as individuals with a passionate, obsessive, and competitive attitude toward work, and have ambitious career goals (e.g., DeMartino & Barbato, 2003;Ferreira et al, 2018;Hodges, 2012;Ratten & Miragaia, 2020). Especially for individuals who are "go-getters" looking for growth opportunities, a better career prospect is a central stimulus for entrepreneurship (Ratten & Miragaia, 2020).…”

“…Especially for individuals who are "go-getters" looking for growth opportunities, a better career prospect is a central stimulus for entrepreneurship (Ratten & Miragaia, 2020). Becoming an entrepreneur provides opportunities for competition and triumph for these high achieving individuals in industry (Ferreira et al, 2018). Individuals with a passion for entrepreneurial endeavors are often less constrained by dissatisfying conditions of the former employer (Haynie & Shepherd, 2011).…”

“…Finally, more studies delving into the phenomenon of entrepreneurial entry as a career transition in diverse contexts should be conducted, particularly by researchers in entrepreneurship and HRD. Surprisingly, except for one study conducted in Brazil (Ferreira et al, 2018), all of the studies included in this analysis addressed entrepreneurship in Western countries. It is axiomatic that entrepreneurship and HRD literature on entrepreneurial entry has remained silent about the contributions of entrepreneurship outside of Western countries.…”