Fox’s Head or Lion’s Tail? Work Life Balance of Women Entrepreneurs in Agriculture and farm Ventures and its Antecedent Effect on Quality of Life

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence work life balance of women entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture and allied products and how the family demands affect their work-life balance. Further, the paper explores the conflict between parental demand and running a business. Theoretical framework: Literature review points out that despite, an increase in the number of women entrepreneurs over the years, according to the (Global entrepreneurship monitor report, 2020), fewer women pursue entrepreneurship due to various challenges of managing personal and business responsibilities and striking the right balance. Work-life balance is frequently examined in the context of human resource management (Etienne St-Jean and Duhamel M.,2020)but not much has been explored in an entreprenurial context.Hence this study is to investigate and understand the influence of various factors affecting work life balance from an entrepreneurial standpoint. Design/methodology/approach: Triangulation method was used for the study by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. The researchers developed a questionnaire to measure work-life balance experienced by women entrepreneurs with 12 independent variables to measure the dependent variable work-life balance.The sample consisted of 450 women agripreneurs Findings: The findings reveal that the age of the children is a major determinant of the extent of parental demand a woman goes through in her life and family support systems are critical in reducing overlap and conflict between the life domains. A positive spillover between the domains significantly enhances quality of life of women entrepreneurs. Research, Practical & Social implications: We suggest a future research into other Personality traits and macro environmental factors which can have a bearing on work life balance of women entrepreneurs which would enable an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Originality/value: The researchers have concluded that positive spillover between the domains significantly enhances quality of life of women entrepreneurs.