Typology of Threats and Overcoming Behaviors Experienced by Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This research aimed to identify threats experienced by women entrepreneurs, in order to understand how they react and to analyze the behaviors that allow them to overcome these threats for the survival of their businesses. The research is qualitative, exploratory in nature, and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Sixty-five entrepreneurs in the Network of Women Entrepreneurs in Brazil participated in the study. Lexicographic analysis and content analysis were used with the use of software Atlas-ti. Identification of four types of threats: a) Conflict of Social Roles; b) Affective Threats; c) Threats from Patriarchy; and, d) Threats to business. The overcoming behaviors were: a) Resilience, b) Use of the Masculine Vigor Network, and, c) Communication with Negotiation. The results showed the potential and strength of women in overcoming adverse, hostile, and embarrassing conditions to keep themselves engaged in the continuity of their businesses. The typology of threats and the behaviors to overcome them consider causes and impacts of the family, economic, and social environments. The results contribute epistemologically and open perspectives to initiatives to support female entrepreneurs, such as the development of public policies.