Marriage and business performance: the case of women-owned micro and small businesses in Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine marriage and family-related determinants of performance of micro and small businesses owned by women in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed a total of 429 micro and small women entrepreneurs using a one-stop semi-structured questionnaire. The authors used hierarchical logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of marriage and related variables on enterprise performance. Findings The multivariate results have established that marriage has both positive and negative effects on businesses owned by women. Businesses experienced growth when owners received moral support, made an independent decision regarding business activities and used family labour and household resources to support business operations. Businesses were affected when the business owner faced difficulty in balancing business-family responsibilities. Also, some forms of spousal and family support appear to hurt business growth. Practical implications The present study adds to the literature and provides evidence of the influence of marriage and related responsibilities on the performance of women businesses. This understanding can help policymakers and other stakeholders to design appropriate and effective policies and programmes that could help to improve the performance of businesses owned by women for their economic empowerment, graduation out of poverty and improvement in the overall household welfare. The interventions should also consider both women businesses specific needs and the needs of their households and address intra-household decision-making processes. Originality/value Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges to start and grow their businesses. Among the significant challenges facing women’s entrepreneurship include marriage and family-related responsibilities. Nevertheless, little is known about how marriage influences and shapes women entrepreneurial processes in Tanzania.

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