Entrepreneurial bricolage: crowdfunding for female entrepreneurs during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Alva ◽  
Vanina Vivas ◽  
María Urcia
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Financial Resource ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Bricolage

Purpose The crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects around the world and particularly on vulnerable populations, such as female entrepreneurs in developing countries. They are facing a new normal, characterized by high uncertainty and resource constraints. This paper aims to use the experiential learning theory applied to entrepreneurship to propose the entrepreneurial bricolage approach to study how female entrepreneurs can overcome this type of crisis. Design/methodology/approach Within the research designs of conceptual papers, the study is situated within the model approach because the authors propose novel relationships between constructs to answer the research questions through the development of theoretical propositions. Findings The analysis suggests that the entrepreneurial bricolage process represents a type of strategy that allows these women to adapt to this new normal. Based on this approach, the authors suggest that crowdfunding represents a financial resource at hand for both pre-existing female entrepreneurs and new female entrepreneurs. Practical implications The theoretical implications suggest an alternative conceptual framework of the entrepreneurial bricolage process to analyse the female entrepreneurial activity in developing countries and during crisis’ contexts. The managerial implications suggest that crowdfunding is a financial resource at hand for female entrepreneurs that allow them to perform well, innovate or implement growth strategies and have more chances of surviving and growing during the crisis. Finally, the policy implications are oriented to the promotion of this kind of financial alternative and the generation of trust for users, along with the strengthening of a regulatory framework to attract more investors and entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study provides useful information on how the crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting female entrepreneurs in developing countries. It also expands on the literature on crowdfunding in terms of its advantages as a non-traditional funding source for women.

Financial literacy and its determinants: the case of rural farm households in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martinson Ankrah Twumasi ◽  
Yuansheng Jiang ◽  
Salina Adhikari ◽  
Caven Adu Gyamfi ◽  
Isaac Asare
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Farm Households ◽  
Community Group ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Rural Dwellers

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the determinants of rural dwellers financial literacy in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional primary data set was used to estimate the factors influencing rural farm households' financial literacy using the IV-Tobit model.FindingsThe findings reveal that most rural residents are financially illiterate. The econometrics model results depicted that respondents' socioeconomic and demographic characteristics such as gender, income, age and education significantly affect financial literacy. Again, respondents who are risk seekers and listen or watch education programs are more likely to be financially literate.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper examined the determinants of rural dwellers financial literacy in four regions in Ghana. Future research should consider all or many regions for an informed generalization of findings.Practical implicationsThis paper provides evidence that rural dwellers are financially illiterate and it would require the policymakers or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to establish a village or community group that comprises a wide range of bankers and government officials to help rural dwellers acquire some financial skills. Also, the positive relationship between media (whether respondent watches or listens to educational programs) and financial literacy implies that policymakers should focus on improving individuals' financial knowledge through training programs and utilize the media as a channel to propagate financial education to the public.Originality/valueAlthough previous studies have examined the determinants of financial literacy, little is known in developing countries and, in particular, rural communities. The authors fill this gap by contributing to the scanty existing literature in developing countries in several ways. First, this is the first study to examine the financial literacy level of rural dwellers in Ghana. Second, to not undermine the credibility of the estimation results, this study addresses the potential endogeneity issue, which other researchers have not adequately recognized. Finally, the study expands the scant literature on the subject and provides critical policy implications that will help policymakers formulate financial market policies that will contribute to rural dwellers financial literacy enhancement.

The perceptions of Australian senior entrepreneurs on the drivers of their entrepreneurial activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aron Perenyi ◽  
Roxanne Zolin ◽  
Alex Maritz
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Career Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose Why is self-employment an attractive option for certain seniors and what drives seniors into business start-ups? In this study, the motivations and preferences of senior entrepreneurs in Australia, to become self-employed, by means of business start-ups, are explored. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical basis for policy implications. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods study is conducted. Members of the National Senior’s Association in Australia were interviewed and surveyed. The semi-structured interviews identified the key factors influencing senior entrepreneurs in relation to self-employment and entrepreneurial choices at a later career stage. The survey collected information on intentionality, motivation, skills, opportunities, success, satisfaction, participation, barriers, benefits, education and training, and perceptions of policy support for senior entrepreneurs. Findings Respondents gave an account of the prevalence of pull factors motivating their choice of an entrepreneurial career. Multivariate statistical analysis of survey responses showed that senior entrepreneurs are more driven by opportunity than necessity and are primarily internally motivated. Research limitations/implications Results of this study suggest a weak link between motivation by others and the act of start-up, but this may also imply that those seniors who are more likely to become entrepreneurs are more likely to ignore the impulses from their social context. This requires further investigation to ensure a robust identification of drivers and an elimination of contextual effects. Further research is suggested to compose a relevant model structure in different contexts and a representative sample to confirm the model outcomes. Originality/value This is the first mixed methods study of the antecedents of senior entrepreneurs’ start-up intentions in Australia. The study also uses entrepreneurial activity as opposed to intention as its dependent variable, which allows for a more accurate evaluation of antecedents to the senior entrepreneurship phenomenon.

Barriers to growth of SMEs in Western Balkan countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naqeeb Ur Rehman ◽  
Arjona Çela ◽  
Fatbardha Morina ◽  
Kriselda Sulçaj Gura
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

PurposeWestern Balkans countries (WBCs) have a great potential for growth and among the main focuses of entrepreneurial activity is small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector. Moreover, SMEs are believed to contribute in the economy by stimulating employment, increasing production, transferring new technologies and so forth. Due to this crucial importance the purpose of this paper is to analyze the barriers that hinder labor productivity (LP) of SMEs in WBCs.Design/methodology/approachThe research method employed to discover solution to this research problem is quantitative analysis by using survey data of World Bank. Research methodology applied in this paper found it correctly to use cross-sectional data and conducts a factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the best procedure for this type of data.FindingsThe results show variability for different countries access to finance, tax rates, tax administration, corruption, inadequately educated labor force, competition in informal sector and political instability appear to be some of the main obstacles that are negatively affecting LP of SMEs in WBC.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis better results could be obtained with larger samples and panel data.Practical implicationsThe policy implications of this study suggest that in order to boost productivity of these firms there must be a reduction of the barriers and improvement of business environment. Although, this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis and contributes as insight to policy makers, better results could be obtained with larger samples using panel data.Originality/valueDifferently from previous studies this work uses explanatory factor analysis and method OLS to estimate regressions for all barriers in each country of Western Balkan region.

Impediments affecting the curbing of illicit financial flows of organised crime in developing economies

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Sotande
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Periodic Review ◽  
Financial Flows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Serious Crime ◽  
Illicit Financial Flows

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the treats hindering war against illicit financial flows of organised crime in developing economies and Nigeria in particular. The examination shows that the impediments facing the fight against money laundering and organised crime financial flows vary from one country to another. It may be lesser in developed economies where most instruments, treaties and best practice recommendations to curb serious crime originated from. However, the impediments against the proceeds of organised crime in developing economies are overwhelming. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology adopted was qualitative analysis. This was applied through the use and analysis of documents and expert interviews. Findings The impediments jeopardising the success against organised crime and other related serious crime financial flows in developing economies are devastating. Consequently, the study offered some policy implications to help mitigate these impediments in developing countries. The dynamics and the phenomena of organised crime business model are operated with ingenious strategies within the global states. Therefore, staying in control of the menace and the threats originated from the organised criminal activities would require periodic review of the global initiatives, standards and strategies deployed by the standard setters to combat organised crime and its financial flows in developing and evolving economies. Additionally, the implementing countries should be carried along and allow to make inputs when such initiatives and standards are being developed. Social implications In Nigeria, there is a clear evidence of “collateral damage” in terms of social justice as result of financial exclusion of many bankable adults of the country that do not possess unique identities for account opening documentation and customer due diligence of the Financial Action Task Force recommendation 10. Originality/value There have been quite a number of studies on organised crime and still fewer have recognised the need to explore the success or failure of combating the proceeds of crime in developing economies. This study provides answer to these gaps by screening associated risks of fighting the proceeds of organised crime in developing countries and Nigeria in particular.

Performance and financing strategies of female and male entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danijela Stošic Panić
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The paper examines gender differences in the performance and financing strategies of female and male entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia. The aim of this study is to explore the gender dimension – a much under-researched aspect of entrepreneurship in the Republic of Serbia – and to link the findings with those of other environments. Design/methodology/approach To explore gender-based differences in entrepreneurial activity, a random sample of 327 units was drawn from the Serbian Business Registers Agency’s Register of Companies. In total, 101 completed questionnaires were received. The chi-square test of association was used to assess the relationship between two categorical variables, while the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess the statistical importance of the differences between groups of female and male entrepreneurs. The relationship between the performance and different sources of financing was assessed by multiple regression analysis. Findings The results confirm the existence of a gender gap in the net profit, employment growth rate, return on assets (ROA) and in use of various types of alternative financing sources. The evidence shows that those male entrepreneurs who use personal funds achieve lower levels of net profit and ROA compared to those who use internal business sources. Lower ROA is also achieved by those male entrepreneurs who use alternative sources of financing, relative to those who do not use these sources. Female entrepreneurs who applied for bank loans realized higher net profit value compared to those who did not apply for a loan. Moreover, female entrepreneurs who use some kind of state-supported funding achieve higher ROA than those who do not. Other gender differences found regarding the various aspects of the financing practices lacked statistical significance. Originality/value Although the generalizability of part of the findings is weakened due to the lack of statistical significance, most of the expected gender differences were found to exist at the sample level. This encourages further studies of similarities and differences between female and male entrepreneurs’ financing strategies and their impact on business performance. This is particularly important for the environments in which the gender aspect of entrepreneurial activity is under-researched.

Socio-cultural environments and emerging economy entrepreneurship

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grisna Anggadwita ◽  
Bachruddin Saleh Luturlean ◽  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Vanessa Ratten
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Cultural Environment ◽  
Women Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
The Impact

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.

The factors affecting technology transaction value in Vietnam: technology demand approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 344-360
Author(s):  
Phuong Thi Nguyen ◽  
Minh Khac Nguyen ◽  
Huong Thu Dang
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Market ◽  
Technology Absorption ◽  
The Government ◽  
Transaction Value

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify variables and their effects on the value of technology transaction according to technology demand approach in Vietnam technology market, by testing the hypotheses including the effects of technology absorption capacity, internal research and development (R&D) productivity of firms and difficulties in external infrastructure on technology demand. Design/methodology/approach The technology transaction value and its impact factors are assessed using Vietnam annual enterprise survey and using technology in production survey from 2012 to 2016. The effects of factors on value of technology transaction are determined by using feasible generalized least squares model. Findings The results indicate three main points. First, companies having higher technology absorption capacity and higher dominance in the domestic or foreign markets tend to acquire higher technology demand in the technology market. Second, companies having lower internal R&D productivity tend to require higher external technology demand. Finally, higher level of difficulty from external infrastructure prevents enterprises in accessing technology demand. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is that data of firm’s R&D productivity are not available. The study also does not mention information flows from competitors that perhaps have potentially significant impacts on external technology demand of firms. Practical implications The paper includes policy implications for the government and industry managers to increase technology transaction value. Originality/value The focus of many previous research papers on technology transactions was generally to look at the decisive factors behind firm’s technology supply in both developed and developing countries. However, knowledge about firm’s technology demand is very limited, particularly in the context of developing countries. This paper clarifies the effect of factors on the decision buying external technology for innovation purpose and productivity improvement in Vietnamese manufacturing sector.

Money for female entrepreneurs does not grow on trees: start-ups’ financing implications in times of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Villaseca ◽  
Julio Navío-Marco ◽  
Ricardo Gimeno
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Organisations ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand women’s approaches to acquiring financial and other resources is essential for closing the entrepreneurship gender gap. In nearly 40% of economies, women’s early-stage entrepreneurial activity is half or less than half of that of men’s. Design/methodology/approach Even when there is extensive literature on female entrepreneurs, the authors review the findings through a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-1)9 crisis lens, trying to find new perspectives and solutions. With the approach of a systematic review of 4,520 publications on financing topics related to female entrepreneurs, various sources of financing available to female entrepreneurs are considered: bootstrapping, banks, business angels, venture capital and crowdfunding. Findings Identifying potential gender bias both on the supply and the demand side of financing, this research highlights new directions in encouraging female entrepreneurship and gives guidelines to public organisations on how to foster advanced forms of financing for female entrepreneurs in COVID-19 times. Social implications The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge for economies and companies. Female entrepreneurs are the ones who have been hit harder, as they overcome pre-existing barriers, such as lack of access to finance, lack of networks and mentors and gendered priorities, among others. Without ensuring gender policies to counter these incremental negative effects, the authors face the risk of widening the gender gap. Originality/value Regarding previous systematic reviews of literature, this paper focusses on a specific challenge, how women entrepreneurs finance their activity, with a double vision: supply and demand of money.

Do government expenditure reduce income inequality: evidence from developing and developed countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Zahirah Mohd Sidek
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Government Expenditure ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Developing And Developed Countries

Purpose This paper aims to re-examine the impact of government expenditure on income inequality. Existing studies provide mixed results on whether government expenditure reduces or increases income inequality. In this paper, government expenditure is viewed as a tool for redistribution, hence, its impact on inequality is examined. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 122 countries with 91 and 31 countries categorized as developing and developed countries is used. The dynamic panel threshold regression is used to examine the impact of government expenditure on income inequality and to estimate the turning point of the negative or positive effects. Findings The major findings suggest that, in general, government expenditure does reduce income inequality. Results from developed countries support the inversed U-shaped Kuznet curve where higher government expenditure initially led to more inequality but would eventually bring about a positive effect after a certain threshold level. For developing countries, education and development expenditure were the driving forces towards lower income inequality. Practical implications Several policy implications can be derived from this paper. First, government expenditure is a useful tool to alleviate the problem of income inequality. More integration with the global economy via trading activities is also an important channel to help reduce income inequality. Finally, better institutional quality provides an effective ecosystem in promoting better redistribution of income via government expenditure. Originality/value This paper presents a maiden attempt to estimate a threshold value or when government expenditure starts to reduce or increase income inequality. The sample is segregated into developed and developing countries to further control the effect of government size and the level of development of a country.

Mother nature’s son?

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana M. Hechavarría
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Gender Socialization ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level

Purpose Drawing on the multiplicity of context approach, this study investigates whether female entrepreneurs are more likely than male entrepreneurs to create environmentally oriented organizations. This study aims to examine how context, measured by gender socialization stereotypes and post-materialism, differentially affects the kinds of organizations entrepreneurs choose to create. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypotheses, this study utilizes Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data from 2009 (n = 17,364) for nascent entrepreneurs, baby businesses owners and established business owners in 47 counties. This study also utilizes the World Values Surveys to measure gender ideologies and post-materialist cultural values at the country level. To test the hypotheses, a logistic multi-level model is estimated to identify the drivers of environmental venturing. Data are nested by countries, and this allows random intercepts by countries with a variance components covariance structure. Findings Findings indicate that female entrepreneurs are more likely to engage in ecological venturing. Societies with high levels of post-materialist national values are significantly more likely to affect female entrepreneurs to engage in environmental ventures when compared to male entrepreneurs. Moreover, traditional gender socialization stereotypes decrease the probability of engaging in environmental entrepreneurship. Likewise, female entrepreneurs in societies with strong stereotypes regarding gender socialization will more likely engage in environmental entrepreneurship than male entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications The present study uses a gender analysis approach to investigate empirical differences in environmental entrepreneurial activity based on biological sex. However, this research assumes that gender is the driver behind variations in ecopreneurship emphasis between the engagement of males and females in venturing activity. The findings suggest that female entrepreneurs pursuing ecological ventures are more strongly influenced by contextual factors, when compared to male entrepreneurs. Future research can build upon these findings by applying a more nuanced view of gender via constructivist approaches. Originality/value This study is one of the few to investigate ecologically oriented ventures with large-scale empirical data by utilizing a 47-country data set. As a result, it begins to open the black box of environmental entrepreneurship by investigating the role of gender, seeking to understand if men and women entrepreneurs equally engage in environmental venturing. And it responds to calls that request more research at the intersection of gender and context in terms of environmental entrepreneurship.

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