Gender Differentials in Entrepreneurship: Insights from a Multi-method Study

Abstract

Gender inequality is an obstacle to inclusive growth, and literature reveals shortcomings in the basic entrepreneurial assumption of equal access to resources, support and economic opportunities for women. International bodies have emphasised the need to examine gender differentials at various levels like, country, organisational and individual levels. Our study is a novel attempt in this direction and aims to build a comprehensive understanding of gender differentials in entrepreneurship using multi-method research design. We analyse and integrate findings from the macro-level using national level datasets (NSSO and Economic Census) and the micro-level using surveys (primary data and GEM India data). Our results note a gender equality lacuna, calling for the need to include meaningful sex-disaggregated data in national surveys, the entrepreneurial intentions of women, behavioural traits impacting women entrepreneurs, the importance of entrepreneurship education, fear of failure, self-confidence and the need for role models. We propose a model of macro and micro factors impacting women entrepreneurship in developing countries.

Performance differentials of necessity and opportunity entrepreneurs: through the lens of motivation to learn and female entrepreneurial competencies

“…However, as replied by the respondents, very few have undergone business-related training even after venturing let alone in advance. This point is corroborated by a recent study by Yadav et al (2022) where it was found only 9% reported any formal training or course on entrepreneurship. As suggested by Hurst et al (2008), it may be difficult to summarize an absolute profile of a successful entrepreneur.…”

Women entrepreneurial motivation and business performance: the role of learning motivation and female entrepreneurial competencies

“…However, care needs to be exercised as the actions may not be generalizable as socio-cultural, economic and policy situations vary immensely across nations. One example could be the inadequate capturing of household or social characteristics leading to gender disaggregation of data (Yadav et al , 2022) or the unfortunate fact that the show is managed by male members where women are only silent partners with business registrations in their name (Rajan and Panicker, 2020). Policymakers need to ensure that right policies reach and benefit rightful candidates thus encouraging the future generation of WEs.…”

Synthesis of Necessity and Opportunity Motivation Factors in Women Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Recent research publications shed light on the gender equality lacuna and call for sex-disaggregated studies addressing the macro and micro factors affecting women entrepreneurship in developing nations (Yadav et al, 2022). Despite the fact that institutionalized gender bias in emerging economies tends to limit entrepreneurial activity, it is found that women led enterprises can be a valuable source of innovation.…”

“…Necessity and opportunity entrepreneurs were found to differ in their socioeconomic attributes, the nature of the opportunities taken up, and their corresponding determinants of success. Especially, when studying women's entrepreneurship in emerging economies, behavioral economists usually place greater emphasis on the context in which decisions are made (Yadav et al, 2022). Specific factors like the national economy, available employment opportunities or lack thereof, social and cultural pressures may influence the motives of the female entrepreneur.…”