Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England

Abstract

Purpose-This study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth-oriented women-owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process. Design/methodology/approach-The approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey softwaree, with results exported to SPSSe for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open-ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions. Findings-The research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth-oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non-scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low-tech industries. Women who are growth-oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and technology, production inputs, appropriate childcare, qualifications, experience, training facilities and appropriate assistance from business development agencies. Non-effective accumulation and use of social capital hinders access to appropriate decision-making circles, and limits the probability of accessing critical management and financing resources, especially through the venture capital industry. Practical implications-This research has implications for government or other business development agencies seeking to understand the growth patterns and problems of women-owned enterprises in the East of England. Originality/value-There are few British studies that have focussed on growth oriented women-owned businesses. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by attempting to understand the nature and activities of such business, by analysing the main growth factors and their influence on different growth strategies.

A Qualitative Study on Individual Factors Affecting Iranian Women Entrepreneurs’ Growth Orientation

“…Majumdar (2008) believes that there is a variation in growth motivation and "Needrelated factors" are more important than ability and opportunity (Majumdar, 2008). In addition, other researchers believe that manager motives (push and pull factors) and personal goal ambitions, intentions, and competencies will affect an individual's small business orientation towards growth (Morrison et al, 2003;Brush & Carter, 2006;Roomi et al, 2009;Brush & Gatewood, 2008).…”

“…Individual factors of growth orientation have been discussed by Roomi et al (2009) in terms of motives (push and pull factors) and personal goals. They found that entrepreneurs' motivations, intentions and aspirations play a vital role in the performance of their businesses.…”

“…This difference in ability of financing between women and men can affect business growth (Buttner, 1993). Childcare responsibilities, and their family commitments, lack of some parameters such as information on business development, skilled labor, effective networking abilities, and business training opportunities were also indicated as important barriers in growth of their businesses (Roomi et al, 2009). …”

A Qualitative Study on Environmental Factors Affecting Iranian Women Entrepreneurs’ Growth Orientation

“…They tend to be smaller, with less capital, have lower revenues and fewer employees, and reside in lower-profit industry services like handicrafts and textiles sectors. Also, their companies are more likely to be a sole proprietorship than a corporation (Buttner, 1993, Reshmi, 2002, Mooris, 2006, Brush and Gatewood, 2008, Roomi et al, 2009). …”

“…Recognizing this value and its importance, many governments in the world are paying at least some attention in order to create an environment conducive for the establishment of women-owned enterprises (Buttner, 1993, Verheul et al, 2006, Kickul et al, 2007, Roomi et al, 2009). …”