Abstract
Every aspect of the world is changing rapidly; political and economic transformations seem to arise every nock and corner in the world. Countries tend to demand their economies; dictatorships convert into democracy while creating new institutions and agencies. Due to the changes in economic pathways for women, those who intend to start and operate their own businesses. When women gradually start their own businesses with a view to contribute a large portion in the national economy, the unique skills of women entrepreneurs are yet to recognize. In this context, this research examined women's entrepreneurial characteristics in Sri Lanka mainly based on environmental factors. The case study focused on the VIDATHA program which initiated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research in mid-2000. This study aimed to investigate the effect of environmental factors on women entrepreneurial characteristics in Western Province, Sri Lanka. The result of this analytical study indicated that there are similarities and differences in experiences of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and women entrepreneurs were able to run their businesses and reached successes, despite the work-family conflicts. The outcome of the women’s engagement in business proved that the support for service of the companies and competitiveness is significantly correlated with the environmental factor which the main source for the availability of funding for development of women entrepreneurship. The factors influence women to be at risks of businesses could easily be improved through the activities of business support services, followed by independence, self-confidence and internal locus of control. The business support service is the main factor influenced the development of female entrepreneurship. Competitiveness and government policies were given a negative impact on developments of women entrepreneurship. KEYWORDS: Women Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial traits, Entrepreneurial Environmental Factors
Highlights
More women participate in paid employment than at any other time in history across all geographical regions (Heintz, 2006) and the emergence of women entrepreneurship in the past two decades is not a coincidence (Hisrich and Brush, 2006)
While no exact data are available on the number of women entrepreneurs (Stevenson, 1990), today, women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all businesses (Bhatt, 1991) and womenowned businesses in South Asia are growing rapidly (Bodrova, 1993), and in Sri Lanka (Moonasinghe, 2000)
The questionnaire has two sections: Section A consists on queries on the demographic data of the respondents (Age distribution, marital status, nature of the business, educational background), Section B is on the effect of environmental factors to become as an entrepreneur, women entrepreneurial traits and women entrepreneurship development through technology transfer
Summary
More women participate in paid employment than at any other time in history across all geographical regions (Heintz, 2006) and the emergence of women entrepreneurship in the past two decades is not a coincidence (Hisrich and Brush, 2006). The entire business environment has changed and women are being encouraged to participate in various business activities – a process that was unimaginable decades ago (Pink, 2004). Women-owned businesses are growing rapidly all over the world. While no exact data are available on the number of women entrepreneurs (Stevenson, 1990), today, women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all businesses (Bhatt, 1991) and womenowned businesses in South Asia are growing rapidly (Bodrova, 1993), and in Sri Lanka (Moonasinghe, 2000). While there are constraints and lack of support for women entrepreneurs to conduct business (Staseson, 2001), many women are doing so regardless, and are doing so successfully (Blacklock, 2000)
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