Female technology entrepreneurs: resource shortages and reputation challenges – a view of institutional support

Abstract

Entrepreneurial resources play a significant role in the development and survival of new business ventures. However, resource shortages have become the most significant constraint for entrepreneurs due to the liability of newness. Based on survey data of female-led technology start-ups in China, this paper explores the relationships among the shortage of resources, the general lack of reputation of female tech entrepreneurs, and the performance of new ventures, specifically examining the moderating effects of institutional support on these relationships. Our results demonstrate that (a) resource shortages for female tech entrepreneurs have a negative effect on the performance of new ventures, (b) the lack of reputation of female tech entrepreneurs has a negative effect on the performance of new ventures, and (c) institutional support plays a positive role in promoting new venture performance. We also find that institutional support moderates the relationship between the shortage of resources for female tech entrepreneurs and the performance of new ventures. This work enriches the theory of entrepreneurship from the perspective of resource dependence theory. Moreover, our findings provide several recommendations for managers to conduct entrepreneurship practices effectively.