Role conflict, coping strategies and female entrepreneurial success in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This dissertation shed light on the various issues related to role conflict, coping strategies and the success of female entrepreneurs in SSA. It did so by conducting four studies. The studies show that the female entrepreneurs experience role conflict in balancing social role expectations and entrepreneurial role demands. They cope with the role conflicts in various ways, which depend on the level of role conflict, stage of business where they are active and personal resources available. The coping strategies were also found to affect the female entrepreneurs’ success in business. Finally, the researcher recommends responsiveness to the issue of role conflict, particularly from gender stereotypic social role expectations. This can be done during the provision of business development services are provided to effectively empower women economically.