Psychological Women Empowerment and Women Entrepreneurial Success: A Case Study of Micro-Enterprise in Malaysia

Abstract

Women are taking on the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship in ever-increasing numbers. Existing literature suggests that women have been playing a significant part in the growth of micro-enterprise and economic development. Unfortunately, most of women failed to sustain in entrepreneurship due to psychological characteristic issue for instance lack of empowerment among themselves. As a result, there is an insistent need to investigate various dimensions of women empowerment especially in the context of micro-enterprise sustainability. Since the sustainability of micro-enterprise among women entrepreneur are still being debated among scholars, therefore the understanding on the concept of psychological women empowerment in depth is crucial. This study was conducted to investigate the role of psychological women empowerment that may assist in women entrepreneurial success. The total of 410 women entrepreneurs categorised as Low Income Household (LIH) who conducting micro-enterprise in Malaysia participated in this study voluntarily. The time horizon for the study conducted was three years. The data was analysed using descriptive and linear regression analysis. The finding obtained from this study indicated that there was significant positive relationship between psychological women empowerment and women entrepreneurial success. In addition, the findings showed that women had greater level of awareness in increasing knowledge and family welfare, financial independence and self-identity. The findings offer evidence that women in LIH engaged in entrepreneurial activities feel much empowered that lead to business sustainability. This result provides valuable insight for agencies involved in women entrepreneurship development especially on microenterprise.