Christian entrepreneurial activities and micro women entrepreneurship development

Author(s):  
Fanny Adams Quagrainie ◽  
Abigail Opoku Mensah ◽  
Alex Yaw Adom

Purpose Review of literature suggests mixed findings on the relationship between the church and micro women entrepreneurship development. This signals that questions remain about the roles of churches in entrepreneurial development. Thus, this paper aims to explore what entrepreneurial activities are provided by churches to their micro women entrepreneurs and how do these activities influence their entrepreneurial start up and growth. Design/methodology/approach Phenomenological research methodologies were used to purposive collected data from 38 women entrepreneurs and four church administers in Tema. Results were analyzed using the emergent strategy. Findings The results suggest that churches provided four entrepreneurial activities which are categorized as finance, networking, promotion of self-confidence and impartation of ethical values. These factors promoted the growth of women entrepreneurial growth but not the start-up of entrepreneurial ventures. The study concluded that the church should provide more support for new entrepreneurial ventures. Therefore, embeddedness because of membership of a church is a critical part of women entrepreneurship development. Research limitations/implications Further studies will need to replicate these findings with other types of businesses, in other locations. Practical implications This study suggests that policymakers should be working in conjunction with churches in a bid to promote micro women entrepreneurship development. Originality/value Limited research has been conducted on church entrepreneurial activities in the development of micro women entrepreneurs in developing economies such as Ghana. This empirical research provides important insights into this field.

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 432-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Ming Yen Teoh ◽  
Siong Choy Chong

Purpose – This paper aims to identify developmental issues associated with women entrepreneurship, with the Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a base. Subsequently, the paper also aims to devise certain stratagems and new policies for ensuring women entrepreneurial growth. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of the issues surrounding women entrepreneurship development in Malaysia is provided, drawing on the extant literature. The issues comprise cultural barriers, lack of spousal support, gender inequality, lack of confidence, weak social and business networking, few laws to support working families and neglected women entrepreneurs in the cottage industry, as well as domestic help and home-based childcare. Findings – Based on the issues identified, strategies are proposed to address them, contextualising on the gender aspect of women entrepreneurship. Practical implications – A summary is provided on the research and practical gaps from the perspective of strengthening women entrepreneurship and with the aim of encouraging further research in this area. The paper posits that an understanding of the gender aspect on issues related to the development of women entrepreneurship in Malaysia is required if policy measures are to be constructive in assisting women entrepreneurs in achieving their full entrepreneurial potential. Originality/value – Very limited studies have been undertaken in the past to assess the issues faced by women entrepreneurs in the context of overall development of women entrepreneurship. This is of great value to an SME-dominated economy such as Malaysia where the paper provides a comprehensive summary of the strategies and policy measures required to strengthen women entrepreneurship development.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grisna Anggadwita ◽  
Bachruddin Saleh Luturlean ◽  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Vanessa Ratten

Purpose Women entrepreneurship has been growing and contributing significantly to economic activities, and it may also reduce unemployment, especially in developing countries. Many women entrepreneurs have begun to experience problems, including within their socio-cultural environment, in the beginning of or when they run their businesses. Among those developing countries, Indonesia has been recognized as having diverse ethnic groups, traditions, religions and languages. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the socio-cultural environment affects women entrepreneurs in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study aims at exploring the impact of the socio-cultural environment on entrepreneurial behavior, including the involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities in Indonesia as a multicultural country. A theoretical framework is empirically tested to identify the impact of the socio-culture environment on behavior and on women entrepreneurial activity through an integrated analysis. Findings A quantitative method with a causal descriptive approach is used in this study. The data are analyzed by using a descriptive statistics with the structural equation modeling technique. This study is intended to focus on women entrepreneurs in micro, small and medium enterprises in Bandung, Indonesia. A total of 210 women entrepreneurs have participated in this study. Practical implications include useful information for women entrepreneurs to overcome the impact of the socio-cultural environment in their entrepreneurial activities, and suggest insights for future research. Originality/value The development of women entrepreneurship in emerging economies may continuously face challenges, particularly in countries with multicultural attributes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chonnatcha Kungwansupaphan ◽  
Jibon Kumar Sharma Leihaothabam

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the roles of four specific capital factors, namely, human, social, institutional and financial capitals, in rural women entrepreneurship. The focus was on the handloom sector in Manipur, India. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses qualitative research methodology with a multiple case study approach. Data were collected using in-depth interviews to study seven cases of rural women entrepreneurs. Findings The study highlights that human, social, institutional and financial capitals play significant roles in encouraging rural women to engage in entrepreneurial activities and influence strategic decisions. Each capital factor being interrelated, achieving the integration among them will considerably enhance entrepreneurial success. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is the narrow scope, emphasizing on only four capital factors. There are implications for further work on other types of capital. The study being sector specific, limits generalization. It contributes insights into the need for multi-sector examinations in the literature. Practical implications Rural women entrepreneurship needs are in line with understanding the roles of capital factors and their interrelations. The role of capital factors varies between prior and no prior entrepreneurial experiences. Originality/value This study provides information on the role of capital factors on rural women entrepreneurship and contributes to better understanding of how each capital factor is accumulated and utilized in rural women entrepreneurship development using the perspective of handloom sector in Manipur, India.


2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ambiga ◽  
M. Ramasamy

Role of Women in Economic Development is vital to achieve the inclusive growth. Entrepreneurship is one of the means to make involve them in Nation building and Economic Development. Till 1980s, only a very few women took Entrepreneurial activities in India1. In 1980, “New Delhi Declaration and Plan of Action” adopted to emphasize on development of entrepreneurial skills among the women. The decade (1980-1990) witnessed several institutional initiatives towards women entrepreneurship. Its only after the liberalization of Indian economy in 1990s, with the opportunities poured in and along with institutional support, Women entrepreneurship started to flourish. In this paper the concept and classification of Women Entrepreneurs is discussed. The hurdles faced by Women to set up the enterprises and the government schemes for Women Entrepreneurship development are also analyzed. The Success story of few Indian Women Entrepreneurs is narrated in brief. Finally it is concluded that the success of Women Entrepreneurship among City dwelling Upper middle Class Women should also be spread to Women in country side.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-12
Author(s):  
Lawal Muhammad

This research set out to analyze the women entrepreneurs and survival of small–scale enterprises in Nigeria. The objective of this paper is to determine the extent of women entrepreneurs and survival of SSEs in Nigeria. One Hundred and Twenty Eight (128) questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using multiple regressions. The results revealed that Women entrepreneurs experience and women entrepreneurs’ level of education have significant effect on the survival of small scale enterprises in Nigeria. The study therefore, concluded that an increase in training or improvement in the activities of women entrepreneurship will lead to a significant increase in the maintenance and sustainability of SSEs in Nigeria. This paper recommended that since, women entrepreneurs experience and high level of education led to the survival of SSEs in Nigeria therefore, the Nigerian government should provide an avenue for adequate funding, training on entrepreneurship, provision of infrastructural facilities and enabling environment in order to enhance the women entrepreneurial activities as this would translate to increase in an income generation, provision of employment and reduction of poverty in Nigeria.  Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Women Entrepreneurs, Small Scale Enterprises, Women Entrepreneurship and Survival.


2003 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-47
Author(s):  
Himachalam D ◽  
Shankara M.

With the impetus on entrepreneurial development in semi-urban and rural areas to solve the threatening unemployment crisis, women entrepreneurs have a major role to play. Women are found equally capable and given the right encouragement and support, they are bound to contribute in abundance towards the upliftment of the small scale and tiny sector.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1042-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucheta Agarwal ◽  
Usha Lenka

Purpose The spirit of entrepreneurship among nationals of a country leads and contributes significantly to the growth process of a country. In this drive, there cannot be gender biases among men and women. The government in India has taken several initiatives to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs and, thus, making a partner to the growth and development process of the country. The initiatives in this direction were taken up through five-year development policy plans commencing from the fifth five-year plan (1974-1978). The focus of five-year plans since then has been reoriented toward women welfare stressing more specifically on women empowerment through women entrepreneurship programs. The purpose of this paper is to appraise the series of development plans and programs initiated for the empowerment of women entrepreneurship in India. Design/methodology/approach The paper is developed based on the concepts, policies and practices being implemented across the regions to promote women entrepreneurs. The methodology adopted to assess and analyze the relevant components very much matches the existing practices. The paper relates the concepts, programs and practices. This study has revealed certain issues based on the available data and information on women entrepreneurship to establish a view and rational as of why research is needed in the area of women entrepreneurship. To support this concept, the study has considered the experiences of two important states of India, namely, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Findings The study reveals that Government of India has launched several policies and development programs to infuse the spirit of entrepreneurship among the women groups and thereby not only making them financially self-sustained but also to contribute to the growth process of the economy. However, there remain many gaps in achieving the goals due to the variety of factors. This becomes more significant as the level of women entrepreneurship in India is very low as compared to other economies and also between the men and women entrepreneurs within the country. The study brings out the need and importance for the future research in the area of women entrepreneurship and thereby exploring the areas of concern and bringing out needed improvements to strengthen the women entrepreneurship programs and policies. Originality/value This research provides a future direction to the academicians, researchers and policymakers to provide a framework to reorient the programs and policies for the cause of women entrepreneurship growth in India. The paper very much emphasis that the research findings will have influence on government policies and serve as an effective tool for implementation of state programs meant for woman entrepreneurs more effectively and efficiently. The ultimate impact of research findings will be an economic change in the quality of life of woman enterprise in the society.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giang NT Nguyen ◽  
Thinh Gia Hoang ◽  
Tam Minh Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Thien Ngo

Purpose This paper aims to explore the motivational factors and contextual facilitators of female entrepreneurs in Vietnam’s coffee industry and also the barriers facing them. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts the grounded theory approach, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 31 women entrepreneurs in the coffee industry in the rural Central Highlands of Vietnam. Findings This study found that necessity-driven factors play an important role in motivating female entrepreneurs to advance their careers. However, these factors may be transformed into the opportunity-driven motives. Furthermore, the findings suggest that Asia’s collectivism culture and family support significantly affect the success of the women entrepreneurs, although gender inequality is not perceived as a serious constraint in entrepreneurial activities. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for the literature of women entrepreneurs regarding motivations and contextual influences in agricultural and rural areas of Vietnam. However, the sample size is relatively small which limits the concept generation of the study. For further research, a larger sample size with different business sectors should be considered to generate more explicit findings. Practical implications The findings from this study can assist the policymakers in developing strategies and governmental policies to support the career advancement of women entrepreneurs and improving gender equality in Vietnam. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature about understanding the motives and the roles of socioeconomic contexts in women’s entrepreneurial activities in agricultural and rural areas.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Chinta ◽  
Anthony Andall ◽  
Shawn Best

Purpose For women entrepreneurs, personal wealth is seen as a promoter, but lack of affordable child care is viewed as an inhibitor. Based on data from 1,284 nascent women entrepreneurs in the state of Alabama, the authors aim to investigate the linkage between personal wealth and barriers to start a business for women entrepreneurs in the state of Alabama. The mediating effect of affordable child care is also examined. Results reveal that lack of personal wealth can thwart business start-ups, and lack of affordable child care mediates this adverse relationship. The authors conclude their study with implications for policy makers and future research. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative survey-based study. This is the largest survey ever done in any state in the USA on the subject of nascent women entrepreneurs. The sample size is 1,284 aspiring women entrepreneurs. (Baron and Kenny 1986) method is used for testing mediating effects. Main effects are tested using regression and ANOVA analyses. Findings Results reveal that lack of personal wealth can thwart business start-ups, and lack of affordable child care mediates this adverse relationship. The mediating effect is strong and, thus, becomes a focus for any proposed structural reforms that are suggested in the discussion section of the paper. Research limitations/implications No experimental design. Findings pertain to the state of Alabama and hence generalizability is low. Variables are measured as perceptions of respondents. Practical implications To mitigate the lack of personal wealth, policy makers should increase resource allocations that will increase external funding for women entrepreneurs through such mechanisms as small business administration grants, minority purchase programs, guaranteed loans, government subsidies, angel investments and venture capital, capturing the amount of capital available to start a business (Jennings et al,, 2013). Even infrastructural support such as incubators and university based entrepreneurial programs would reduce the barriers to start a new business. Affordable child care, via its mediating effect, is another issue that needs to be looked into to promote women entrepreneurship in state of Alabama. Less-expensive community-based child-care programs could provide the necessary fillip to encourage women entrepreneurships to take the initial leap into entrepreneurship. Government funded incubators should include onsite child-care facilities to mitigate the concern about affordable child care. Social implications Promoting women entrepreneurship is an integral part of promoting entrepreneurship in the state of Alabama. This study suggests some directions for structural reforms to promote women entrepreneurship in the state of Alabama. Originality/value The largest survey on aspiring women entrepreneurs in any state in the USA. In total, 1,284 women completed responses from the survey. This paper provides empirically rooted suggestions for structural reforms to promote women entrepreneurship in the state of Alabama. This paper corroborates a priori hypotheses drawn from extant literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Saner ◽  
Lichia Yiu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess how far Jamaica has come regarding women economic empowerment, female entrepreneurship and its development policies in favour of women entrepreneurship development. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study employs a mixed method approach to achieve its research objectives, consisting of literature review and corroboration with existing database and indices. Key insights of research on female entrepreneurship are used to reflect on published data to assess progress of female entrepreneurship development in Jamaica. The 2017 editions of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and Gender Entrepreneurship and Development Index were examined to gain a better understanding of how the Jamaican business environment has progressed or regressed over time and how the economic development and business environment impact female participation in Jamaica’s labour force and entrepreneurial initiatives. Findings The economic conditions in Jamaica and the role of females as domestic caregiver have made it difficult for women to enter the labour force even though Jamaican women are relatively better educated than men. Women remain at a disadvantage in the labour force. Jamaica’s legislation and budget allocations in favour of female entrepreneurship are analysed to identify where and how Jamaica is investing its efforts to improve women’s participation in the labour force. The authors conclude with suggestions on how the Jamaican government could facilitate further women entrepreneurship development to reach a more gender balanced inclusive socio-economic development. Originality/value While global policy has been promoting women empowerment through entrepreneurial development, little is known on the actual outcome of such human capital investment strategy and the critical vectors that contribute to such outcome. This scarcity of knowledge is also applicable to Jamaica. This paper attempts to contribute to women entrepreneurship research by reaching beyond the output-oriented perspective of various skill development programmes and attempts to link policy choice with overall macro results of entrepreneurship development in general and women entrepreneurship development in specific. The study thus provides a rare glimpse of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jamaica.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document