Factors influencing women entrepreneurs’ performance in SMEs

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims at contributing to the entrepreneurship literature by identifying factors influencing women entrepreneurs’ performance and the corresponding challenges in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study also examines the opportunity recognition as a mediator between influencing factors and performance of women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach The study proposes a model that shows the effects of different internal and external factors on women entrepreneurs’ performance. Findings The paper demonstrates several challenges that are encountered by women entrepreneurs such as lack of access to financial resources, difficulty in finding qualified labors, work-home conflict and low profit. The results suggest that the most influencing factor is industry (SMEs) characteristics followed by entrepreneurial goals and motivations, and legal factors. Additionally, opportunity recognition is found to mediate entrepreneurial goals and motivations, and industry characteristics. Research limitations/implications As the study is conducted in Bahrain, it may lack generalization. In future research, it is advisable to expand study factors, use interviews as a research tool and make comparison between women and men entrepreneurial performances. Practical implications The paper can help increase women entrepreneurs’ performance and enable them to make use of the business environment in a more efficient and effective way. Originality/value Although several papers already exist that discuss issues on women entrepreneurs, there has been little research focusing on factors influencing and challenges facing women entrepreneurs, particularly in the Middle East. Our study explores important issues and calls for more research in this domain.

Exploring Factors Contributing to the Success of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia

“…However, the present study discovered support from the government has the lowest mean score which indicate that these women entrepreneur are not in the know of various assistance offered by the government. This study supports findings conducted on Turkish entrepreneur's view where the government do not contribute to their business success (19). Similarly, many of the respondents did not use assistance provided by the government due to the complication of procedure and they did not know and aware of the services available (36).…”

“…SMEs in Serbia discovered there were seven factors that contributes to their success which are position in society, interpersonal skills, approval and support, competitive product/service, leadership skills, always to be informed and business reputation (38). SMEs in Turkey found six factors generated such as characteristics related to the individual, social connections, competition, management skills, reputation/social skills and market support (19).…”

“…Study conducted in Indonesia on motivation of entrepreneurs found family members influences and their participation do have an impact towards their business success (17) while another study found among the challenges of women Exploring Factors Contributing to the Success of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia entrepreneur are difficult to get financing, difficult to find qualified workers, work-home conflict as well as low profit (18). Research on women entrepreneur in North Cyprus revealed the kay factors that lead to the success of women entrepreneur is pull factor comprises of self-determination, achievement-oriented and honesty (19)(20). (19) (20).…”

“…Research on women entrepreneur in North Cyprus revealed the kay factors that lead to the success of women entrepreneur is pull factor comprises of self-determination, achievement-oriented and honesty (19)(20). (19) (20). Women entrepreneurs contributed greatly in ensuring the success of many nations (21).…”

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“…29 However, strong competition, weak marketing network, poor sales strategies, delays in payment by clients, lesser marketing experience and rapid change in demand and technology are the factors that pressure the women enterprises to respond quickly to changing market scenario. 30,31 In general, Women -owned micro, small and medium enterprises have been surviving under stiff competition from establish firms and male entrepreneurs in term of cost, quality, standards and meeting the dynamic demand of customers. Also, male entrepreneurs have much experience, knowledge of the market and adopt new technology in their production.…”