Dynamics of entrepreneurial belonging among Mexican female entrepreneurs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Erogul ◽  
Salvador Barragan ◽  
Caroline Essers
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Helping Others ◽  
Standing Up ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Understanding belonging provides a better insight into the structural, political, cultural and gendered elements of entrepreneurship. This paper aims to focus on Mexican female entrepreneurs’ (MFE) experiences in managing material and affective aspects of entrepreneurial belonging during the start-up and transition phase to become an established business owner. Design/methodology/approach The narrative analysis is based on qualitative interview data with 11 MFE in Mexico. Findings The analysis reveals that MFEs’ sense of belonging evolves from self-oriented to more socially-oriented identity claims. In the former, the need to “fit in” and achieve material aspects of belonging is intertwined with gender and family responsibilities. In the latter, the need to “stand out” and achieve affective aspects of belonging is intertwined with validating entrepreneurial achievements by challenging gendered assumptions and helping others through the notion of “sisterhood.” Originality/value The paper extends the understanding of the relation of material and affective aspects of belonging as an “evolving” process from the nascent stage to the established stage of entrepreneurship. Within the evolving process of entrepreneurial belonging, a shift from material to affective aspects unveils a theoretical framework that relates belonging, gender and entrepreneurship in context. This process seems to regulate entrepreneur’s agency in what they interpret as acceptable while standing up against challenges and legitimizing belonging through the emergence of a “sisterhood.”

Exploring perceptions of pracademics in an Arab context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youmen Chaaban ◽  
Abdellatif Sellami ◽  
Rania Sawalhi ◽  
Elkhouly Marwa
Keyword(s):  
Identity Construction ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Supervisors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Identity Renegotiation ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis study explored the perceptions of Arab professionals toward pracademia and the ways they position themselves as professionals in this field.Design/methodology/approachNarrative data were elicited through semi-structured interviews with a total of eighteen pracademics identified for their work in teacher education. Participants included ten professional development (PD) specialists, three university supervisors and five specialists working at the Ministry of Education in Qatar.FindingsNarrative analysis of the interviews revealed variations in their identity renegotiations, with one group experiencing an emerging pracademic identity and the other group “holding on” to their previous practitioner identities. The narratives further provided insight into Arab pracademics relating to three themes: (1) definitions and roles, (2) knowledge and skills and (3) relationships with others, all of which pertain to pracademic identity construction.Originality/valueThe study contributes to understanding the identity renegotiation of pracademics working in multiple contexts in an Arab setting. Several recommendations are offered to support pracademics' identity renegotiation as a social activity.

The relational capital of micro-enterprises run by women: the startup phase

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Paoloni ◽  
John Dumay
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Current Events ◽  
Micro Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how relational capital contributes to the startup phase of women-owned micro-enterprises. The motivation for the study stems from the fact that micro-enterprises are key drivers of economic growth and that woman entrepreneurs are key developers of these businesses. Design/methodology/approach – To gather data for our study, a qualitative research methodology was adopted using a case study approach based on examining current events of real life in depth (Yin, 2009). Nine cases of micro-enterprises run by women are analysed, focusing on the management of the start-up phase to investigate the nature and role of the relationships that are activated by the entrepreneurs. Findings – The paper develops the CAOS model of micro-entrepreneurship, examining the personal characteristics of the female entrepreneur (C); the environment in which the micro-enterprise operates (A); organizational and managerial aspects (O); and the motivations for starting a new business (S). Using this model, the authors’ are able to link these factors and classify different types of connections, it is possible to identify the kind of existing relations. From the analysis, it was found that a predominant use of networks characterized by informal and permanent relations, supporting the need to reconcile work and family and to involve relatives and friends in the network. This emphasizes the lack of strategy in the female-run micro-enterprises. Originality/value – Given that female entrepreneurship is regarded as central to the development and welfare of economies, the deepening of knowledge of how women entrepreneurs manage the start-up of her business can contribute to improving the effectiveness policies aimed at promoting the participation of female entrepreneurs in the economy.

No more fairytales: a quest for alternative narratives of sustainable business

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1384-1413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aideen O’Dochartaigh
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Counter Narrative ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Narrative Forms ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore storytelling in sustainability reporting. The author posits that large PLCs use their sustainability reports to support the construction of a fairytale of “sustainable business”, and asks if organisations with an alternative purpose (social enterprises, values-based SMEs) and/or ownership structure (co-operatives, partnerships) can offer a counter-narrative of the sustainability–business relationship. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the literature on storytelling and organisational mythmaking to gain insight into the construction of narratives and their impact on the reader. A narrative analysis is conducted of the sustainability reports of 40 organisations across a range of entity classes, including large PLCs, values-based SMEs, co-owned businesses and social enterprises. Findings The analysis indicates that the narratives presented in sustainability reporting are of much the same form across entity classes. The author argues on this basis that sustainability reports represent stories targeted at specific stakeholders rather than accounts of the organisation’s relationship with ecological and societal sustainability, and urges scholars to challenge organisations across entity classes to engage with sustainability at a planetary level. Originality/value The paper seeks to contribute to the literature in two ways. First, the author illustrates how the literature on storytelling can be used to analyse organisational narratives of sustainability, and how narrative forms and genres can be mobilised to support potential counter-narratives. Second, the author explores and ultimately challenges the proposition that organisations less often examined in the literature, such as social enterprises and co-operatives, can offer alternative narratives of the sustainability–business relationship.

You’re not a normal student. The meaning of wellbeing for student nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Oates ◽  
Timothy Worth ◽  
Sam Coster
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This study aims to explore how student nurses conceptualise their well-being and their views on how to improve student nurses’ well-being. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interviews with 17 final year students. Tran-scripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clark’s six-phase approach. Findings Three themes were identified as follows: “student nurses” “experience of the university”, “the meaning of student nurse well-being” and “how the faculty could improve student well-being”. The findings are interpreted with reference to notions of social capital and a sense of belonging. Practical implications University nursing programmes should embed approaches to student well-being. Higher education institutions should ensure that their social and pastoral offer is accessible and relevant to nursing students. Originality/value The study offers unique insight into student nurses’ self-concept as “university students” in the context of their well-being.

Entrepreneurial aspirations and start-up motives of women chemists in Germany

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Pascher ◽  
Melanie Roski ◽  
Brigitte Halbfas
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Employed Women

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to promote better understanding of different women entrepreneurs and self-employed women with regard to their educational level and field of study. Foremost, the aim is providing detailed knowledge about the phenomenon of women self-employed chemists in R & D sectors and throwing light not only on the single women but also on the general conditions they are working in and their opportunities to get ahead. Design/methodology/approach – The interdisciplinary research team followed an integrated research approach and combined qualitative with quantitative methods. By focussing on motives and causes of women self-employed chemists, this paper refers to the findings of two sub-studies, an online survey on self-employed (female and male) chemists in Germany and a qualitative study on the basis of biographical interviews tracing the professional biographies of women self-employed chemists. Moreover, the findings are analysed based on other sub-studies, like the analysis of the (start-up) conditions within the chemical industry and a discourse analysis of a well-known chemical periodical. Findings – It was found that the differences between female and male chemists turning self-employed or starting a business are less pronounced than the differences between male and female founders, in general. Research demonstrates that women chemists do have high qualifications and if they become entrepreneurs, the main cause for that is escaping their organisational employment. Being entrepreneurially active, women chemists might work more satisfactorily, at least they are able to surround the glass ceiling. Originality/value – This paper seeks to fill the gap of limited in-depth information on knowledge about female entrepreneurs and self-employed women with an academic background in chemistry. Focussing on one single field of study and profession of female entrepreneurs is, in that way, unique, as the research has looked on professionals who are not predestined for entry in entrepreneurship.

Determinants of innovation decisions among Emirati female-owned small and medium enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fauzia Jabeen ◽  
Mohd Nishat Faisal ◽  
Huda Al Matroushi ◽  
Sherine Farouk
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Priority Vector ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the innovation decisions of Emirati women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study uses a two-phased approach. In the first phase, empirical research on 50 Emirati female entrepreneurs is conducted to discover the extent of innovation in their ventures. In the second phase, the study uses an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize factors considered important in facilitating business innovation among SMEs. The AHP model is developed with 9 criteria and 25 sub-criteria based on the previous literature. Face-to-face interviews are conducted with Emirati female entrepreneurs operating nascent (n = 10), start-up (n = 10) and established innovative (n = 10) businesses to collect data for the AHP study. The data collected are interpreted and a priority vector is assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion. Findings Female SME owners prioritize government policies, research and development, innovation strategy and skill development as the main criteria that influence their innovation decisions. Family support, access to external financing, social networks and the allocation of funds are the main sub-criteria affecting their decisions to be innovative. Furthermore, respondents who are in the nascent business stage consider family motivation as the greatest influence on initiating new ideas through financial and moral support. Among all respondents, the nascent business owners rank skill development the highest because they are still in the initial stages of their business journeys, and thus, obtaining these skills could help them increase innovation and success in their ventures. However, respondents in the established stage rank innovation strategy the highest. Research limitations/implications The study results can help policymakers and women’s associations, such as businesswomen councils, identify the specific inhibitors and facilitators linked to innovation and, thereby, help develop various effective policies to promote innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs. Originality/value The study is one attempt to facilitate innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs through its efforts to discover the determinants of innovation efforts at nascent, start-up and established business stages as defined by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2012). The study can help Emirati women-owned SMEs understand the critical factors influencing innovation and can encourage them to incorporate innovative characteristics for business growth and resilience. Furthermore, the study can provide insights for policymakers, financial institutions and non-governmental organizations on factors hindering innovation among Emirati women-owned SMEs, which may serve as a tool for creating resilience among female entrepreneurs.

Empowering Jordanian women through entrepreneurship

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muntaha Banihani
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Social Perceptions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Mobility ◽  
The Impact

Purpose A strong correlation has been found across several countries between women’s positions in society and economic development, suggesting that there is a relationship between women’s empowerment and countries’ economic development. Despite the impact women have in terms of economic activity and job creation, however, the role of women entrepreneurs is often underplayed and undervalued. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the challenges women entrepreneurs face in Jordan to uncover ways to empower them. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 15 women to investigate their perceptions regarding the challenges affecting their businesses. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow participants flexibility in expressing their views and experiences. The results from the interviews were analysed using NVIVO software to identify themes and categories. Findings It was found that women entrepreneurs in Jordan still face many challenges, primarily related to family responsibilities, networking and physical mobility. Research limitations/implications Recommendations for scholars and decision makers are presented to reduce the impact of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Jordan. Originality/value This research contributes to the current entrepreneurial literature as it provides a deeper understanding of the experiences of women entrepreneurs in Jordan. Thus, it heeds the call for more research on women entrepreneurs in developing countries. In shedding light on the experiences of female entrepreneurs in Jordan, this paper provides strong arguments for challenging the traditional social perceptions regarding the roles of women.

A critical assessment of work and family life of female entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwame Adom ◽  
Irene Tiwaa Asare-Yeboa ◽  
Daniel M. Quaye ◽  
Abena Oforiwaa Ampomah
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate how work and family lives of female entrepreneurs in emerging Sub-Saharan countries including Ghana influence their business performance, with focus on criteria such as income, number of outlets, and number of employees the entrepreneur controls. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenological qualitative approach to research was adopted for this study to help the researcher gain deeper understanding of experiences of Ghanaian female entrepreneurs with respect to their work and family life and its influence on business performance. With a purposive sampling technique, 25 active women entrepreneurs with family responsibilities were sampled for the study. A multiple case study strategy, in-depth face-to-face interviews, and participant observation were used to solicit responses from participants included in the study. Findings The study revealed that a majority of female entrepreneurs involved in the study believe that their roles and responsibilities to their families have a negative impact on both the income they generate from their business and their willingness to expand their outlets. However, it has a positive impact on their willingness to employ additional employees in their businesses. As a consequence, this study reveals that quality family life is essential to these female entrepreneurs and they are willing to put the well-being of their families first, even at the expense of their business growth. Research limitations/implications The study focused solely on the work and family life of women entrepreneurs and its influence on their business performance in Ghana. However, there exist other critical issues that affect women entrepreneurs in the Sub-Saharan region that can be explored to provide more insight on this subject or in different contexts. Originality/value As a first of its kind in the Ghanaian context, little is known in extant literature until now with regard to work and family life of female entrepreneurs and its influence on their business performance. This study therefore seeks to bridge this gap.

An exploration of the challenges facing women starting business at fifty

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Logan
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Self Actualization

Purpose – The paper aims to investigate the motivations, goals, challenges, successes and needs of older women starting new ventures. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten successful female entrepreneurs who had created their businesses at age 50 or over. The key areas of focus included the women's motivation for starting a business, their previous work experience, potential barriers/enabling factors (including their human, social and financial capital), and the performance of their ventures. Responses were taped, transcribed, coded, grouped and analyzed. Findings – The primary trigger for older women to start a new venture appears to be the need to find a creative outlet (self-actualization). Further, more than half the women stated that because they now had significantly reduced family responsibilities, this was the time for them to pursue their own goals. Interestingly, a majority of the women had started new ventures in an area completely unrelated to their previous work experience. Family support, particularly from their spouse/partner, was acknowledged by virtually all the women as an important factor contributing to the success of their ventures. All the ventures were profitable and growing. Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest that well-trained mentors could make a significant difference to this older cohort of female entrepreneurs, particularly in terms of helping them to grow their businesses. Originality/value – This study fills a gap in the literature by providing an understanding of the motivations and needs of older female entrepreneurs.

scholarly journals Gender differences in the use of assistance programs

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Targeted Assistance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine differences in factors influencing use of entrepreneurial assistance programs by male and female entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – Data from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics I are used to determine drivers of assistance program use by men and women using logistic regression. These drivers include size and composition of the start-up team and personal network, experiences of the entrepreneur, team and network; support provided by the team and network, and other factors. Findings – In total, 31 percent of female entrepreneurs and 24 percent of male entrepreneurs in the sample used entrepreneurial assistance programs. Results show that drivers of assistance use do vary by gender. Education, business/entrepreneurial knowledge and involvement in a technology-based start-up are drivers of program use by women. Personal network size, entrepreneurial experience of start-up team, and having worked for parents’ business are drivers of program use by men. Practical implications – This study inform policy and support practices about use of assistance programs and suggests that the support drivers of women are different, justifying continued need for targeted assistance programs such as those specifically for women starting technology-based ventures. Originality/value – This research addresses gender differences in use of assistance programs. Results provide support that a “one-size-fits all” support may not be useful, and that there may be need for targeted assistance programs.

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