Performance-oriented factors for women entrepreneurs – a scale development perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Jha ◽  
Munish Makkad ◽  
Sanjiv Mittal

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to conceptualize, develop and validate a scale reflecting performance dimensions of women entrepreneurs. The study intends to address the important aspects of women entrepreneur such as identifying factors influencing performance of women entrepreneur in emerging economies including India, and to develop a reliable and valid scale for measuring performance from women entrepreneurs’ perspective, which will help to explain the phenomena of entrepreneurship among women by using a holistic approach.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth literature reviews were conducted to identify manifest item measuring the latent scale dimensions. Semi-structured interview with women entrepreneurs also contributed toward item generation. A total of 1,032 valid and usable questionnaires were used for the final statistical data analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) also conducted to confirm factors-item composition considered for the study.FindingsA final scale comprising six dimensions of entrepreneurial performance has been developed. These dimensions are business environment, motivation (pull/push), training and skill development, networking and market information, socio–cultural and financial. Dimensions are reflecting perception of women entrepreneurs on performance. Psychometrically properties of the proposed scale were tested and the model fitness was established through CFA.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed scale will be beneficial for both existing and nascent entrepreneurs toward gaining awareness regarding what accounts for their performance enhancement in the respective ventures undertaken. At the same time, the finding carries implications for regulatory bodies and policymakers as well, which are engaged in drafting guidelines catering to the development of women entrepreneurship in respective economies.Originality/valueThe authors believe that the proposed scale offers superior ability to explain factors that affect the performance of women entrepreneurs in emerging economies such as India.

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ceyda Maden

Purpose – This study aims to shed light on women’s entrepreneurship in Turkey by focusing on the profile of women entrepreneurs, key drivers behind their decision to establish their own business, challenges they face while initiating and running their business and support mechanisms for women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted by ten successful women entrepreneurs in Turkey. Survey forms were also sent to the representatives of four different organizations that support women entrepreneurship. Three completed survey forms were received back from these organizations. Four key areas that originate from the research question (i.e. profile, drivers, problems and support mechanisms) have constituted the basis of the semi-structured interview guide and that of thematic analysis. Findings – The results have revealed that there are important similarities among Turkish women entrepreneurs with respect to their personality traits or characteristics. Successful women entrepreneurs in Turkey were described as being persistent and determined, patient, mentally strong and visionary and innovative. The interviews also revealed that exploiting unique opportunities in the business environment, working for the good of society and being independent in one’s decisions and actions are the major factors behind Turkish women entrepreneurs’ decision to become entrepreneurs. On the other hand, finding and managing capital emerged as the most important problem for women entrepreneurs in Turkey despite the existence of various support mechanisms. Finally, the findings showed that the majority of women entrepreneurs in Turkey use traditional ways (i.e. governmental and non-governmental support mechanisms and banks) to get financial support. Family members and business partners are the other sources of financial support, which may also provide moral support to women entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications – The generalizability of the findings is limited, as the study is exploratory, rather than causal in nature. Practical implications – This study provides certain recommendations to the interested parties, such as policymakers, to create a proper economic, social, political, cultural and legal environment for women in which they can freely and willingly go into and run business. Originality/value – The paper fills an important gap in the literature by systematically reviewing the extant literature on women entrepreneurship in Turkey and combining and comparing the prior findings with qualitative data derived from the interviews with ten successful women entrepreneurs.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucheta Agarwal ◽  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana ◽  
Vivek Agrawal ◽  
Jitendra Kumar Dixit

Purpose The ascent of women enterprising community (WEC) in a couple of decades draws the attention of various government and non-government bodies. Literature has mentioned various studies that focus on the factors affecting the success or failure of women entrepreneurs (WEs), but understanding of the ranking of the factors depending on the experiences of different WEs is needed. This study aims to identify the significant factors essential for the growth of WEC. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the factors through interview of 33 WEs having different entrepreneurial experiences (less than 1 year, more than 1 year but less than 10 years and more than 10 years of experiences) from different regions of Uttar Pradesh, India, and with the help of analytical hierarchical process, ranks the factors affecting the sustainable growth of WEs. Findings Through analysis, significant factors have been identified such as determination, education, entrepreneurial resilience, personal satisfaction and provide employment, and these factors have been analysed according to the different experiences of WEs. An investigation of ranking these factors of WEC, especially in the emerging nations, can assist policymakers in designing projects that improve the mindfulness associated with women enterprise and define the compelling methodologies. Practical implications The growth of the WEC is significantly affected by gender orientation ways of thinking as driven by entrepreneurship models. Originality/value This study gives a direction to policymakers by emphasizing on significant factors of various stages of enterprise development for the encouragement of WEs in the emerging economies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betul Acar Alagoz ◽  
Murat Caner Testik ◽  
Derya Dinler

PurposeThis study aims to create a reliable, collaborative and sustainable business environment with suppliers of a company for providing high-quality and low-cost products on time. A supplier management system that sustains existing suppliers by sharing work based on systematic performance evaluation while developing the supplier base with potential suppliers is proposed.Design/methodology/approachBuilt on quantitative approaches, supplier management functions are integrated in the designed system. A quantitative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis is adapted for evaluating potential suppliers. A multi-objective integer linear programming (ILP) model is developed for the distribution of orders among selected potential and existing suppliers. A performance evaluation scheme based on an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) is proposed to evaluate and monitor suppliers' performance over time.FindingsProposed system develops a supplier base by methodically selecting and approving new suppliers, and a sustainable relationship with both new and existing suppliers is established based on performance over time. Decisions on retaining or removing suppliers from the base are objectively made by quantitative evaluations. Orders are fairly distributed among suppliers under the constraints imposed by the management. Dependence on a certain set of suppliers and its associated risks are reduced while agility in offering goods is enabled.Originality/valueBusiness processes for selecting new suppliers, distributing orders among all suppliers, evaluating and monitoring performance over time are quantitatively integrated to add value in operational decision-making. The proposed system is original in the holistic approach for managing and sustaining multiple suppliers of a company based on performance.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-220
Author(s):  
Max Menkiti ◽  
Trevor Ward

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide first-hand experiences of running a hotel business in Nigeria from the perspective of an entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach An informal interview was carried out via email. Max Menkiti is an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry with extensive experience in bootstrap start-ups and operations in the UK and Nigeria. He is currently the Director of Millennium Apartments and Studios in Lagos. Before that, he developed and operated the @venue series of boutique hotels. Max has over 11 years experience in the hospitality industry in Nigeria. Findings The interview offers valuable insights for researchers in hospitality industry entrepreneurship so as to understand the rationale for business decisions. Originality/value The backdrop for this paper is the business environment in Nigeria. The transcript makes available an insider’s view of the number and form of issues that entrepreneurs face in emerging economies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 634-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ather Akhlaq ◽  
Ejaz Ahmed

Purpose – More research is needed to understand the online shopping behaviors and intentions of consumers in emerging economies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which key variables from the Technology Acceptance Model (perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEOU)), and others theoretically associated with digital engagement (distrust, perceived risk (PR), perceived enjoyment (PE) and legal framework (LF)), accounted for variation in online shopping intentions in Pakistan, focussing on affiliates of a large metropolitan university. Design/methodology/approach – Online survey using a convenience sample of university staff, students and alumni recruited through the university’s online network. A questionnaire capturing the above constructs was tested for content validity and reliability prior to dissemination. The survey results were factor analyzed to determine the degree to which the constructs were independent, and regression was used to examine their ability to predict online purchasing intentions. User characteristics were analyzed descriptively. Findings – All six independent factors, PU, PEOU, PR, PE, distrust and LF, in the model were independently predictive of intention to shop online and supported the theoretical model by demonstrating the predicted direction of the relationship. Research limitations/implications – There are limitations in the generalizability of the findings. Most of the data being collected were only from Karachi, the biggest metropolitan city and the business hub of Pakistan. Practical implications – This research may help retailers in becoming e-tailers. The model would also help existing e-tailers to streamline their business according to the research findings. In addition, government may work on policies to provide a better online business environment to the people of Pakistan. Originality/value – A new online shopping model has been discovered for an emerging market, Pakistan. Developing countries could take advantage of this model to get real insights of their e-tailing industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saju Jose ◽  
Krishna Venkitachalam

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research is often dominated in a western context. Perhaps, with the rapid expansion of organisations in the context of emerging economies, there is a pressing need for the development of a new dimension. Organisations operating in emerging markets must address the social challenges of serving low-income consumers and rural communities as part of their CSR strategy. The next era of CSR should look out for a period of experimentation and innovation as organisations advance their core business objectives by addressing existing social and environmental issues, which are dependent on market and industry settings. The purpose of this paper is the requirement of careful considerations when formulating the CSR framework for different industries and markets in the global business environment and this is the focus in this paper. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a review and certain limitations of the literature on the highly cited works such as stakeholder theory and Carroll’s pyramid model. Following on, the proposed matrix model, related discussion of the four phases and associated propositions are explained in the paper. Finally, some concluding remarks on the need for a new look on CSR in the context of non-western markets are presented. Findings In this paper, the authors introduce “The matrix model of CSR” as a starting attempt and a guideline in formulating the CSR approach across industry and countries, particularly illustrating in the context of diverse organisations in different sectors. However, this model is at a conceptual level and future research could allow empirical testing and refinement of the “matrix model” in different market and industry conditions. Originality/value A CSR model for multiple organisational contexts would provide more insight for the relevant stakeholders regarding their CSR activities. Thus, this article attempts to suggest a CSR matrix model and it takes a phased approach by classifying the CSR activities based on the degrees of CSR and altruistic nature of activities that could be adapted for other industries as well as emerging economies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia R. Todd ◽  
Raj G. Javalgi ◽  
David Grossman

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to focus on the determinants that impact the growth of SMEs in B-to-B markets in emerging economies. The objective is to apply the classic model of organizational ecology to examine the characteristics of growth patterns in the B-to-B environment for SMEs in emerging markets, specifically India and China. Application of the model can guide SMEs owners/managers in their effort to successfully expand internationally in turbulent markets characterized by competitive and technological intensity. Design/methodology/approach – An overview of the basics of the organizational ecology model is presented, followed by the description of various economic drivers of B-to-B markets in India and China. The integration of the organizational ecology model and the strategic development of methods to deal with specific challenges of entering international markets are discussed. The paper concludes with managerial implications and suggestions for future research. Findings – Businesses operating in emerging markets face many of the same roadblocks concerning efficiencies, increasing competition, and the need for capital, that are experienced by businesses throughout the world, however, they also face challenges unique to the developmental nature of the country environment. Ecological models can be used to understand the dynamics between resource utilization and growth. Practical implications – The ecology-based view evaluates the utilization of resources with a focus on how changes in resource availability impact the international growth strategy of the B-to-B firm in India and China. These two economies represent a large business environment, generally underdeveloped with regards to taking advantage of potential resource availability. Originality/value – While the significant economic contribution of SMEs is well understood, their business practices in emerging economies have not been extensively studied, especially in the B-to-B arena. The goal here is to stimulate the development of new insights for managing the complex relationships between the B-to-B SMEs, organizational ecology, and the international environment in emerging markets. This study extends the literature concerning factors that impact business success in important emerging markets such as India and China.


2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahsen Maqsoom ◽  
Chotchai Charoenngam

Purpose – This paper aims to study the impact of a firm’s size and international experience on its internationalization because it remains an under-researched area. Using an integrated theoretical approach, this study examines the motives and (firm-specific and home country-specific) competitive assets, that enable the internationalization of Pakistan-based construction contracting firms (CCFs) having varied sizes and international experiences. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a postal questionnaire survey. A comparative analysis of these data was undertaken for firms of varied sizes and international experiences. Findings – Findings show that firms of varied sizes did not concur over several firm-specific and home country-specific competitive assets, whereas firms of varied international experiences were in disagreement over fewer motives and home country-specific competitive assets. Small CCFs need to overcome weakness in their firm-specific competitive assets, especially international reputation and internationally experienced management. Government and home country support are needed to promote internationalization of emerging economies’ CCFs, especially younger and smaller ones that are more vulnerable due to an unstable business environment and lack of opportunities in domestic markets. Research limitations/implications – The firms included in this study represent only one service sector, i.e. the emerging economy scenario of Pakistan’s construction industry. Future research may be conducted with a deeper analysis of the differences between emerging and developed economies’ CCFs as well as other service sectors. Originality/value – The study will be helpful to those CCFs from emerging economies which are considering whether or not to internationalize and, to the regulatory bodies helping create a level playing field to nurture the internationalization process for their CCFs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 310-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Safal Batra

Purpose – Is change always the best alternative? While large and established firms are believed to benefit from strategic flexibility and change, the purpose of this paper is to argue and empirically prove that firms in emerging economies need to persist with their strategies during their formative years in order to acquire sustainable competitive advantage. The author explores these relationships from a behavioral perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 103 Indian new ventures. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the hypotheses. Findings – The findings reveal that persisting with the existing strategies is the most optimal way of surviving and growing in the initial years of a venture operating in the turbulent business environments of emerging economies. Radical shifts in strategic postures can, indeed, be fatal for new firms. Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on data from one emerging economy. Further exploration of these relationships in other setups can help in better understanding of the execution of strategic persistence and change. Practical implications – Given the frequent changes in the business environment and resource-scarcity of new ventures in emerging economies, firms that persist with their strategies during the formative years are more likely to succeed. Originality/value – Limited attempt has been made to integrate strategic and behavioral perspectives in the change literature. In this study, the author brings in the contingent role of founder’s personality to better understand the possible contingencies in the strategic change literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-79
Author(s):  
FILZAH MD ISA ◽  
NOR AZILA MOHD NOR ◽  
SHAISTA NOOR

Women entrepreneur plays a catalytic role in economic development, as women constitute half of Malaysia's population. The contribution of women entrepreneurs in the country's economy is significant and may not ignore. Malaysia is a multicultural and multiethnic society comprised of Malays, Chinese, Indian and other local ethnics. The present study investigates the leadership and decision-making style among Malaysian women entrepreneurs. The present study adopted the qualitative research strategy, and ten women entrepreneurs are interviewed. A semi-structured interview technique is applied, and 6 Malays and 4 Chinese entrepreneurs made the study population. The result highlights that both Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs used democratic leadership styles for business management. Regarding decision-making, Malaysian women experienced failures in making the right decision. However, they considered the failure as a learning process for future decision-making. The present study will help new entrepreneurs persevere in their business ventures, and policymakers look into the best supports to enhance Malaysian women entrepreneurs' success. Keywords: Women Entrepreneur, Decision-making Process, Leadership Styles, Malaysia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document