Barriers to women achieving their entrepreneurial potential

Abstract

Purpose -This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the academic literature with regard to risk and its role in the entrepreneurial experience of women. Entrepreneurial risk has an under-developed conceptual basis and distilling gender-specific aspects is difficult. Various academic disciplines have contributed to the topic of risk, e.g. economics, and often decision making is used to contextualise the topic. Though the literature does not always prove an association between the different facets of risk and entrepreneurship, there is general agreement that a number of factors, e.g. personal, political and social inter-relate to influence risk and subsequent behaviour. Design/methodology/approach -Uses a desk-based approach to data collection. An overview of the main issues concerning risk and entrepreneurship is given to contexualise the gender aspects to be discussed, drawing on the extant literature. Findings -The paper posits that an understanding of the gender aspects of risk is required if policy measures are to be constructive and help women overcome barriers and achieve their entrepreneurial potential. The conclusions drawn from the literature provide the foundations for a discussion of the likely policy measures that are required to encourage women entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications -A summary is provided of the research and information gaps that remain in terms of women entrepreneurship and risk with the aim of encouraging further research in the area. Originality/value -Provides a comprehensive summary of the literature with regard to risk and the entrepreneurial experience of women, and discusses the likely policy measures required to encourage women entrepreneurs.

Risk perception matters: why women’s passion may not lead to a business start-up

“…Even though women seem to be as passionate about starting companies as men, it seems as if something holds them back from translating that keenness into a business. Start-up programmes intended to assist women in taking the step from passion to new venture have reported difficulties working with women, particularly concerns that their ability to help may be limited because of a low awareness of women's risk perception (Brindley, 2005). We suggest in the present study that the influence of passion could be extinguished by unfavourable risk preferences.…”

“…The concept of women and risk is a generally neglected field in entrepreneurship research, and existing studies "include" rather than "focus on" women (Brindley, 2005). Frequently, the literature claims that women are more affected by risk compared to men (Karakowsky and Elangovan, 2001;Sexton and Bowman-Upton, 1990;Weber et al, 2002;Zinkhan and Karande, 1991); however, disagreement exists concerning how these risks affect women's behaviour.…”

“…Frequently, the literature claims that women are more affected by risk compared to men (Karakowsky and Elangovan, 2001;Sexton and Bowman-Upton, 1990;Weber et al, 2002;Zinkhan and Karande, 1991); however, disagreement exists concerning how these risks affect women's behaviour. Some scholars have argued that women tend to be less risk-averse if their confidence is boosted, whereas others have indicated that gender differences in risk-taking are notable, despite the fact that women and men display similar traits (Brindley, 2005).…”

“…Perception of risk may be gender-related, but this area suffers from an under-developed conceptual basis, which may be problematic when attempting to understand how women make start-up decisions. In particular, women's views on risk -and the factors that influence their views -are crucial in understanding the development of women-owned and -operated businesses (Brindley, 2005;Fielden et al, 2003;Kirkwood, 2009). Furthermore, it seems that the characteristics associated with men's entrepreneurship are not consistent with women's (Delmar and Davidsson, 2000).…”

Determinants of Success Factors of Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh- A Study Based on Khulna Region

“…Without proper support from the family and society it may not be possible for women to be successful in her venture. According to (Brindley, 2005), the important support is from family and friends and close people as well-wishers who play a very dominant role in the success of business. Further need for Independence is a features of the personalities of entrepreneurs which refers to the desire of the individual to plan for her own decisions and own work (Gartner 1988;Shane et al 2003).…”