Women's entrepreneurs' micro and small business performance: insights from Malaysian microcredit

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to provide a clear understanding about the factors that are associated with the success of women's micro and small enterprises who received microcredit for start-up new businesses for three years. An exploratory qualitative study from a constructivist grounded theory perspective was used, while a sample of 16 women was conducted in-depth unstructured interviews. We found that women who have a high level of future orientation, authority in decision making, group management skills, network resources and business knowledge are more likely to meet a high performing business in innovation and job creation for outsiders' family members. This study provides insights into women's entrepreneurship and small business development in the developing countries.