The promise and peril of youth entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Krafft ◽  
Reham Rizk
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Youth Unemployment ◽  
Panel Surveys ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multinomial Logit Models ◽  
Youth Entrepreneurship ◽  
The Unemployed

PurposeEntrepreneurship is promoted as a solution to high rates of youth unemployment around the world and especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This paper investigates the potential for youth entrepreneurship to alleviate unemployment, focusing on Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine who entrepreneurs are (in comparison to the unemployed), using multinomial logit models. The authors compare entrepreneurs' and wage workers' working conditions and earnings. They exploit panel data to assess earnings and occupational dynamics. They specifically use the Labor Market Panel Surveys of 2012 (Egypt), 2016 (Jordan), and 2014 (Tunisia), along with previous waves.FindingsThe authors find that entrepreneurs are the opposite of the unemployed in MENA. The unemployed are disproportionately young, educated and women. Entrepreneurs are older, less educated and primarily men. Entrepreneurship does not generally lead to higher earnings and does have fewer benefits.Originality/valuePromoting youth entrepreneurship is not only unlikely to be successful in reducing youth unemployment in MENA, but also, if successful, may even be harmful to youth.

Opportunities and constraints of women entrepreneurs in Jordan: an update of the 5Ms framework

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tala Abuhussein ◽  
Tamer Koburtay
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Market Management ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Extended View ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeDrawing on the “5Ms” gender cognizant framework, this study seeks to investigate how money, motherhood, management, the market and the macro/meso environment dimensions of the 5Ms may influence women's entrepreneurship in Jordan. A related aim is to offer in-depth insights and a fresh understanding of potential factors not included in the original 5Ms model.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes a qualitative-inductive approach, using semi-structured interviews with 14 women entrepreneurs from various industries in Jordan.FindingsThe paper highlights the positive (or adverse) impact of the 5Ms factors (motherhood, macro/meso environment, the market, management and money) on women entrepreneurs in Jordan and introduces new emerging factors. The paper concludes with an extended view of the 5Ms model.Practical implicationsThis study may help develop greater sensitivity and understanding about some of the adverse gender practices faced by women entrepreneurs. Policymakers in Jordan and other Arab countries may consider empowering women entrepreneurs in terms of offering more financial funds and facilities, social support, and managerial empowerment.Originality/valueThe study creates more sensitivity and awareness about the current dynamics, opportunities and impediments that affect women entrepreneurs; thus, it contributes to the extant literature by suggesting new propositions and a novel framework. This study extends Brush et al.'s (2009) 5Ms gendered framework by adding three important factors (Mental health, Maturity and Maintainability). The empirical update and contextual extension of Brush et al.'s (2009) 5Ms model highlight a theoretical contribution.

What are the interpersonal antecedents of women’s network satisfaction?

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 266-280
Author(s):  
Maryline Bourdil ◽  
Mickael Géraudel
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Network Performance ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Common Interests ◽  
Women's Networks ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether women entrepreneurs are satisfied with belonging to a women’s network, as this issue is crucial for network performance and legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach The authors tested the hypotheses on a sample of 127 French women entrepreneurs who belonged to women’s networks using multiple regression analysis. Findings The authors showed that these women entrepreneurs were satisfied when they developed strong ties and when cliques in the network were limited. Education had a negative effect: the higher the educational level, the less satisfaction with their networks the women reported. Research limitations/implications The sample was small and composed only of women entrepreneurs who were members of women’s networks and not women who had left them. Practical implications The survey findings suggest ways that managers can optimize network satisfaction to keep current members while continuing to add new ones: create an environment with no cliques where members can develop strong ties. This means connecting members with similar values or status and common interests, while making sure that cliques do not develop. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, satisfaction with professional women’s networks has never been studied. The authors’ highlight the role of strong ties in these networks and identify the contingent effect of cliques.

Women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization: patterns and trends

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 780-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ratten ◽  
Kayhan Tajeddini
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women’S Entrepreneurship ◽  
Women's Entrepreneurship ◽  
New Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization in order to build an understanding about future trends. There is increasing interest in the role of women in entrepreneurship yet little research has been conducted about the link to internationalization patterns. Design/methodology/approach The literature is reviewed based on a systematic analysis of the words women, female, gender and internationalization. Findings Three main schools of thought around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization (philosophy, management and motivations) are then discussed. The analysis of literature and classification into main theories enables the building of new research around women’s entrepreneurship and internationalization. Originality/value There is a pipeline of women intending to become entrepreneurs so this paper helps to understand how women entrepreneurs influence internationalization patterns and how to help support women in their business endeavors.

Entrepreneurship research in the Middle East and North Africa: trends, challenges, and sustainability issues

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abobakr Aljuwaiber
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurship Research ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Economic Development And Growth ◽  
Future Economic Development

Purpose This paper aims to offer a wider examination of the research concerning entrepreneurship characteristics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region via a review of recent studies relevant to this topic. Research publications concerning entrepreneurship within the MENA region evidence growing interest in this field of study, with the potential to boost and drive future economic development and growth. This focus within entrepreneurship research is because of the economic development in the region, which is becoming increasingly important for policymakers and businesses. Design/methodology/approach The author performed a systematic literature review to produce robust information about entrepreneurship in the MENA region, followed by a thematic analysis to identify key research themes within each category. Findings Despite the growth in entrepreneurship research in the MENA region, research on certain factors is lacking. An analysis of 271 studies published between 2009 and 2019 identifies 9 main research categories, within which 30 themes have attracted significant academic attention. Female entrepreneurship and gender, youth entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship behaviour and orientation are the three key categories influencing perspectives on entrepreneurship in the MENA region. This study highlights research gaps and provides recommendations to guide future research on the sustainable development of entrepreneurship in the MENA region. Originality/value This paper highlights trends in entrepreneurship research amongst scholars within the MENA region and suggests paths for future research efforts.

scholarly journals Balancing deterrence: Iran-Israel relations in a turbulent Middle East

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Maher
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
National Security ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Main Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
East Region ◽  
Regional Dynamics ◽  
Central Argument ◽  
The Arab Spring ◽  
Middle East Region

Purpose This paper aims to examine the regional dynamics that further consolidated Israel’s national security in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, reflecting upon the nuclear challenge between Iran and Israel and Iran's expanding activities in the region. Design/methodology/approach To prove the central argument, the study uses a conceptual framework that centers on deterrence as the main approach used by states to consolidate their influence in the Middle East region. Findings Iran's nuclear progress and influence in the region has strengthened Israel’s security and fostered an unprecedented open rapprochement led by USA efforts with the Gulf regimes. Originality/value The paper draws particular attention to the Iran–Israel nuclear competency, and the Israeli preferred policy options regarding Iranian activities in the region amid turbulent Middle East. In addition, the paper offers insight to the regional dynamics that further consolidated Israel’s national security in the region while maintaining a status of Arab vulnerability and backwardness.

A generation of bricoleurs: digital entrepreneurship in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-412
Author(s):  
Jenna Grzeslo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Youth Entrepreneurship ◽  
Digital Entrepreneurship

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how the uptake of digital technologies influences youth entrepreneurship in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes 28 semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs age 21–35 in Nairobi, Kenya. Interview transcripts were analyzed using open- and closed-coding.FindingsMillennial entrepreneurs embrace change and challenges by harnessing mobile technologies and social media. In doing so, they are engaging in what French sociologist Lévi-Strauss called “bricolage,” or “making do with what's at hand.”Originality/valueThis study explores a unique segment of entrepreneurs, Millennials in Kenya and identified the ways in which digital entrepreneurship represents a form of bricolage.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial framework conditions and business sustainability among the youth and women entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A. Orobia ◽  
Immaculate Tusiime ◽  
Rogers Mwesigwa ◽  
Bob Ssekiziyivu
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
It Infrastructure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Inferential Analysis ◽  
National Expert ◽  
Framework Conditions ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial framework conditions (EFCs) and business sustainability among youth and women entrepreneurs using the institutional theory. Design/methodology/approach This study is cross-sectional and follows an explanatory research design using 390 youth and women entrepreneurs in Mbarara district (Uganda). A principal factor analysis was conducted to single out the particular constructs of business sustainability and EFC. Inferential analysis was conducted to test the relationships. Findings First, the constructs of business sustainability are stakeholder engagements, people and skills, ecosystem management, market and sales and innovation. Second, the constructs of EFC are education, government program and policies, IT infrastructure, market openness and finance. Finally, finance and IT infrastructure are significant predictors of business sustainability among the youth and women entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications The examination of EFCs from the perspective of the consumers/beneficiaries can offer reasonable results when compared to the national expert perspective. Originality/value This study generates initial evidence on the applicability of EFCs from the perspective of the individuals as opposed to the national experts.

Sugar price spikes will continue to worry importers

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Middle East ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sugar Price ◽  
World Markets ◽  
Sugar Market ◽  
Per Capita

Subject Sugar market dynamics. Significance There were protests in Egypt in October and November after the price of sugar doubled this year from a low of around 10 cents per pound in 2015. The sugar price swings much more widely than any other commodity traded frequently on world markets. Latin America consumes the most sugar per capita but also produces the most. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) produce little, but imports the most per capita, leaving the region vulnerable. Impacts Higher taxes may reduce demand for sugar for processed food and drinks but demand for use in renewable energy will likely remain high. China is the world's largest sugar importer and its policies have a large influence on sugar prices. NAFTA encouraged Mexico to raise its sugar output but Donald Trump's election has raised doubts over the agreement's future.

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