Women-owned Enterprises Research Articles

Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on Socio-Economic Equalities among Women Owned Enterprises in Oherey Open Market in Garissa County, Kenya: A Literature Review

Kenya’s Vision 2030 is pegged on the roles SMEs play in attaining the newly industrialized economic status. Similarly, Global Sustainable Development Agenda highlights the need for gender mainstreaming in achieving sustainable societies. However, women and minority groups in general are disproportionately affected during disasters. Following the Global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, like normal life, businesses have been affected-small and large businesses alike. The impacts have mostly been amplified by the Covid-19 management measures of social distancing, staying at home, and restrictions on social gatherings, curfews and lockdowns among others. For businesses, the result has been a reduction in cash flows, reduction in demand and supply, lay off of workers, increased investment on Covid-19 management equipment and worst case scenarios closures. The aim of this paper was to interrogate Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on Socio-Economic Equalities among Women Owned Enterprises in Oherey Open Market in Garissa County, Kenya. The study uses the Social Vulnerability and Feminist Political Ecology Theories in an attempt to explain study variables. This paper employed descriptive research design which provided a vivid description of how covid-19 pandemic has interfered with social economic lives of women in Oherey open market. Data analysis was done through textual analysis. Empirical review of relevant literature reveal that Covid-19 has had negative effects not only on SMEs but generally on businesses. However, women centric studies on the impact of Covid-19 remain scarce. The study recommends for financial boosts, non-financial boosts, revision of business policies and proper planning in a quest to develop pandemic resilient business establishments.

Investigating key dimensions for the development of women-owned enterprises: interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC approach

PurposeWomen-owned enterprises (WOEs) are one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial sectors in the world. Therefore, this study aims to identify and develop the structural cause and effect relationship among the various strategic dimensions that affect the performance of WOEs in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachWith the help of the questionnaire survey, the data has been gathered. Further, the experts’ opinions are considered, which is followed by interpretative structural modeling and the impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) approach to explore the 13 dimensions associated with the development of WOEs such as work–life balance (WLB), entrepreneurial learning (EL), competencies, social identity (SI) and culture.FindingsWLB and support of financial institutions are the dominant independent dimensions and EL and competencies have emerged as dominant dependent dimensions, which impact the development of WOEs. The other linkage dimensions are experience, entrepreneurship education and training, SI, government, non-government organizations, family, friends, culture, role models, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThis conceptual model can be validated for any type of WOEs in India and in other countries.Practical implicationsThrough this study, the academicians, decision-makers and policymakers must become aware of the importance of each dimension and their relatedness with each other, which provides the direction for designing and implementing appropriate policies to enhance the growth of WOEs.Originality/valueThis is the foremost research that provides an interpretive structural conceptual model to develop a map of the complex relationships and magnitude among the identified dimensions of WOEs.

Analysis of extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs based on membership in table banking (TB)

PurposeInadequate finance is considered a major factor limiting the growth of small-scale women-owned farm enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women empowerment programs such as table banking (TB) and women enterprise fund were initiated in an attempt to curb the credit gap affecting women in agribusiness. This paper determines the factors influencing the extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs who are either members or nonmembers of TB groups in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in Kericho County using a sample of 384 respondents. Factor analysis was used to generate three indicators of entrepreneurial orientation which were included as explanatory variables in the regressions. Double hurdle econometric model was employed to analyze the factors influencing the decisions on credit uptake and amount of borrowed loan. Separate models were estimated for members and nonmembers of TB groups since they differed in volume and source of loan accessed.FindingsResults reveal that age of the woman and innovativeness negatively influenced credit access, whereas education level, participation in off-farm activities, number of farm enterprises, perception on interest rate, extension contacts and financial knowledge positively influenced the decision to access credit. On the other hand, participation in off-farm activities, risk-taking behavior, total land size, extension access and financial knowledge were statistically significant with positive correlation on the amount of loan borrowed. Significant factors differ between members and nonmembers of TB groups implying divergence in underlying credit access challenges once one has joined such groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not consider supply-side factors affecting the amount of loan accessed by women farm-entrepreneurs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the pioneer studies using the double hurdle model to analyze factors influencing the extent of credit access specifically among women farm-entrepreneurs and carrying out the analysis by membership in TB groups.

Technological Adaption and Open Innovation in SMEs: An Strategic Assessment for Women-Owned SMEs Sustainability in Bangladesh

Technological adaption and innovative activities foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth by allowing production and process diversifications. Furthermore, open innovation practices, especially SMEs, rely on several firms’ specific attributes, and their impact varies accordingly. This study’s motivation is to explore the impact of technological adaptation and open innovation on SMEs run by women entrepreneurs and the challenges encountered in implementing open innovation. A sample of 580 questionnaires was sent to target SMEs, following the stratified random sampling technique, of which a complete 375 responses were duly received. The open innovation has been measured through eight innovative practices, reflecting the exploration and exploitation of technology in SMEs. This study found that women-owned enterprises were involved in many open innovation policies during the last five years. The result of this study indicated that there are no significant differences between manufacturing and industry regarding open innovation practices. Still, women-owned enterprises are more impressively engaged in open innovation practices. The research also identified that women-owned SMEs follow open innovation, mainly for market-related intentions, to compete with competitors and meet customers’ demands. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical implications. Further, the study is helpful for SMEs, researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.

Factors affecting women entrepreneurs\u2019 success: a study of small- and medium-sized enterprises in emerging market of Pakistan

In the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities, and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors including the need for achievements, risk-taking, and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers, and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women’s entrepreneurial success, but our study investigated some psychological, cultural, and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.

From Attention to Action: Entrepreneurial Networks and Performance of Women-Owned Enterprises: A Theoretical Review

In the contemporary business context, the firm’s attractiveness and growth potential are demonstrated by its performance among other factors. Research has shown that women owned enterprises that utilize networking avenues to advance their businesses results in significant firm performance. Thus the objectives for the study were to discuss the key constructs of entrepreneurial networking and performance of women owned enterprises, to review theories that link entrepreneurial networking and performance, to recommend a conceptual framework that guides future studies on the highlighted knowledge gaps, and to recommend a methodological framework for future study. The study was anchored on Resource Based View, Dynamic Capability Theory, Social Capital, and Structural hole theory. The study was a desktop review of global theories related to entrepreneurial networking and performance in of women owned enterprises. Further, the empirical review was based on cross-sectional studies that explored entrepreneurial networking and performance of women owned enterprises. The studies reviewed were mainly conducted in the last ten years in developing nations in Africa and other parts of the world. The limitation of this study is that it only provides secondary data on existing studies on entrepreneurial networking and the performance of women owned enterprises. The findings indicated that these studies were convergent on the direct relationship between entrepreneurial networks and performance. A conceptual gap identified was the lack of moderating and mediating variables. The study recommended that future studies should incorporate, dynamic capabilities as a mediating variable and the business operating environment as moderating variable. Such studies should adopt explanatory non-experimental and descriptive research designs in collecting primary data which is crucial for filling the knowledge gaps identified in this study. Finally, a constructionist approach is proposed since the study seeks to add knowledge in the women entrepreneurship realm.

Model of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Competitive Advantage and Performance of Women-Owned Enterprises in Gandaki Province, Nepal

This study examines the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of women- owned enterprises and creates a model. The study is conducted in four districts of Gandaki Province, Nepal, with a sample size of 212 women-owned enterprises via stratified sampling. The study employs a quantitative research design. The data was collected via telephone interaction and e-mail. The SPSS and AMOS were applied to evaluate the data. The finding of this study shows that: there is a significant positive effect of proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness on performance. Similarly, proactiveness, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy have a positive effect on competitive advantage. Likewise, there is a significant positive effect of competitive advantage on performance. In the same way, competitive advantage mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, autonomy) and performance. Evaluating the structural equation model shows that proactiveness, innovativeness, and competitive aggressiveness have a relationship with performance. Correspondingly, proactiveness, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy have a relationship with a competitive advantage, and competitive advantage also has a relationship with performance. Thus, a model is created.

Microcredit Services and Performance of Women Owned Enterprises in Kilifi County, Kenya

Women owned enterprises play an important role in ensuring the growth of an economy. However, most of these businesses face challenges including limited access to credit facilities and limited skills among women owners. Commercial banks have consistently remained reluctant to advance credit facilities among low income earners who mostly comprise of these women owned enterprises. Majority of the women owned enterprises are still at micro level with limited ability to transact in larger profitable firms because of limited access to financial resources. The main economic activities that the youth and women are engaged in Kilifi County include small scale business/trade, mining industry, bodaboda business, Mnazi tapping, Casuallabour and commercial sex. Despite this, the youth and women are faced with a myriad of challenges which include poor/low pay, exploitation, health Complications, unwanted pregnancies, HIV infections. Some of the ways in which these challenges facing women engaged in business in Kilifi County can be managed include; capacity building/education, government financial support, enforcement of laws of child labour, guidance and counseling and creation of employment. There has been a rise in the number of women owned enterprises in the County with the advent of county government system. The County Government of Kilifi has given opportunities and credit to youth, special needs group and women to start or expand their businesses and also get procurement opportunities. However these women owned enterprises have had challenges with sufficient financing especially from microfinance institutions in the County. The study sought to bridge the gap by establishing the effect of Microfinance Services and performance of women owned enterprises in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the effect of loan facilities, saving services, influence of financial literacy and convenience and reputation of credit institutions on performance of women owned enterprises in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the following theories; Resource based view theory and Social Learning theory. The study used descriptive research design. The population of the study was 1281 women owned enterprises. The study applied stratified random sampling technique. The sample size was therefore296 women owners of registered enterprises in Kilifi County. The collected data wasbe qualitative and quantitative in nature. To analyze qualitative data, content analysis was employed. For quantitative data, the researcher employed both descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis that covered means, standard deviations and regression analysis. The study established that microfinance services had a positive effect on the performance of women owned enterprises in Kilifi County. The study concluded that there were significant microfinance services provided by MFIs in Kilifi County for women-owned enterprises in Kilifi County. The study concluded that microfinance services offered by MFIs positively and significantly influenced the performance of women-owned enterprises in Kilifi County. It was concluded further that some of the enterprises were not aware of the microfinance services offered by MFIs in Kilifi County. The study recommends that the women-owned enterprises need to be sensitized on the available microfinance services and how to access them. The study recommends that the enterprises need to improve their saving culture to enhance their capital base and financial performance.

Life Cycle Development of Successful Women-owned Enterprises

In developing countries, the role of women in the business sector is continuously improving. As a result, female enterprises have also been encouraged in Pakistan. This study is based on life cycle development phases from which women-owned enterprises have to go through in order to become successful. As a primary data source, face-to-face interviews with owners of successful women-owned enterprises were preferred. The data collection process was divided into two phases i.e. Phase-I and Phase-II. After data collection, qualitative analysis has been performed using NVIVO. Findings provide both generic and specific factors involved in life cycle development of women-owned enterprises. This study provides a detailed view of life cycle development model followed by successful women enterprises. The outcome of this research work is a theoretical finding which can be utilized by entrepreneurs owning small scale enterprises to improve their level of performance. Findings can also be helpful for potentially talented women interested in setting up their own business.

Ethnic Albanian family businesses and COVID-19 pandemic: a gender-based comparison

PurposeThis qualitative research aims to analyze the effects of the global crisis known as COVID-19 in family businesses in North Macedonia and defines the strategies that Albanian entrepreneurs have used to overcome the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose of this study is to conduct a gender comparison between the behaviors of ten men entrepreneurs with ten women entrepreneurs in the city of Skopje. The data we collected by the interview method. The interviews were conducted by phone from June 1 to June 15.FindingsThe results of this research show that women entrepreneurs have overcome the crisis through defensive strategy compared to men entrepreneurs who have used more offensive approach. Due to the pandemic, the majority of women entrepreneurs have lost incomes, labor and clients. Men entrepreneurs have maintained their employees with the minimum salaries, but they have suffered the same loss in the aspect of revenues and clients. Findings show that in the category of women-owned enterprises lower financial results have shown those who operate in the textile industry and beauty salons. In companies with men entrepreneurship, the biggest loss is estimated in the luxury jewelry industry and restaurants, while pharmacies, supermarkets and detergent manufacturing companies proved to be profitable. Even companies that have shown high financial performance have encountered considerable problems in supplying raw materials due to the pandemic. This research will help SMEs in our country with useful suggestions to make the right decisions for the mentioned issue.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations in this study that should be considered a guide for future research. First, this research includes only Albanian entrepreneurs located in the city of Skopje. The investigation will be complete if we add a more significant number of Albanian entrepreneurs from more cities in North Macedonia. Second, considering that this paper's topic is new, we did not have enough literature to compare or enrich the study. Third, due to the current situation caused by the virus, we have faced difficulties in convincing entrepreneurs over the phone to respond in our questionnaires.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a new topic comparing Albanian entrepreneurs' behaviors based on their gender in overcoming the pandemic in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Influence of Financing on Performance of Small and Medium Women Owned Enterprises in Kwale County, Kenya

Studies done by researchers around the world show women are in entrepreneurship in major towns and rural areas of Africa. Financial institutions have developed various products to boost their entrepreneurial spirit together with government support programmes with an aim to avail credit and increase the success rate of women owned businesses. The study sought to determine the influence of capital on performance of small and medium enterprises owned by women entrepreneurs. The main variables under focus included; access to capital, working capital structure, capital affordability and government finance programs. The study will fill a research gap as there is no known study to have been done in Kwale county. The theoretical framework forming the basis of the study consisted of; resource-based theory, dynamic trade off theory and access to capital theory. A comprehensive literature review was given for each variable and their relationships highlighted. The study adopted a descriptive research design, a population of 2000 and a sample of 600 SME owners. Furthermore, the study used questionnaires for data collection that were hand delivered to respondents after validity and reliability through pilot testing techniques. Data collected was coded, sorted and analyzed by use of simple regression model with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences application. The study was conducted in line with ethical requirements by seeking permissions from the university and government institutions before commencement of the study. Data from 501 respondents was analysed representing 83.5% of the sample. The results indicated that access to capital, capital affordability, working capital structure and government finance programs had a positive influence on performance of women owned SMES. The study concluded that for women entrepreneurs to perform well in their business, efforts should put in place to ensure capital is made accessible, affordable while enlightening them on what alternatives sources of capital are available; whether from the government or private sector, for better working capital structure. Finally, the study recommended that studies should be conducted on influence of knowledge, skills and management styles on the performance of women owned SMES in Kwale County.

Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation on Profitability of Women Owned Enterprises in Pokhara City, Nepal

Entrepreneurial orientation is defined as an organization's strategic orientation, which seizure an organization's strategic making practices, managerial philosophy, and the organization's behavior, which are entrepreneurial. This study investigates the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the profitability of women-owned enterprises in Pokhara City, Nepal, through mixed research method qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary data were obtained from an in-depth interview with two experts of government offices and sixteen personnel/founder from women-owned enterprises. Secondary data were collected from Nepal Government and The World Bank. The study found that entrepreneurial orientation and its various dimension (Proactiveness, Innovativeness, Risk-taking, Competitive Aggressiveness, and Autonomy) are the major influencing factors to increase the profitability of women-owned enterprises.
 
 Furthermore, in the present context, women-owned enterprises should concentrate more on innovativeness to achieve profitability. Women should overcome all the issues and challenges they face at the personal level, social level, financial level, and government level, which will be vital in improving women-owned enterprises' business growth. The finding of this study helps the women-owned enterprises be more entrepreneurial to sustain and grow in the competitive market environment amid huge challenges and barriers.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MSMEs

Women constitute 50% of the total population. In traditional Indian societies, they were confined to four walls but in the modern society, they come out of four walls to participate in all types of activities, including entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurship plays a prime role in industrial development. In India empowering women through entrepreneurship has become an integral part of our development efforts because of three important reasons; i) Women development, ii) Economic growth and iii) Social stability through gender equality. The idea and practice of Women entrepreneurship is a recent phenomenon. There is growing evidence all over the world that MSMEs play a significant role in economic growth, productivity, innovation and employment of the country. Today, the village and MSMEs units account for about 45% of the total industrial production and 30% of the country’s exports. MSMEs do not only constitute of enterprises but they are strongly influenced by people, and most of all by the entrepreneurs behind them. There are different kinds of entrepreneurs which may be classified on the basis of business characteristics, education, motivation etc. One of the most expanding categories is that of Women Owned Enterprises (WOEs). WOEs now account for a growing share of all new enterprises. Women should create their own jobs and become entrepreneurs since opportunities of getting employment in either government, non-government or a private organization is almost declining. This article shows the present scenario of Women Owned SMEs in India and the support they acquire from Government and other institutes. KEYWORDS: Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, MSMEs, Economic Development, Government

The Mediating Effect of Motivation on Human Capital and Performance: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs in Meghalaya

The study empirically examines the impact of human capital on firm performance in the presence of motivation as a mediating variable. The study is conducted in Meghalaya, in the context of women-owned enterprises, in one of the largest surviving matrilineal cultures in the world found in the north-eastern part of India. Path model has been employed in this study to show the impact of human capital (measured by work experience) on firm performance (measured by growth rate of last five years’ sales) using motivation (measured as total motivation), combining pull and push factors, as the mediating variable. Using self-administered questionnaires, data was captured from 150 first-generation women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and service sectors. The results show that the direct and indirect impact of human capital on firm performance are positive and significant. The results also indicate that motivation plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between human capital and firm performance. This study was undertaken using a small sample in the three districts of Meghalaya. However, the findings will sensitise and inform business support agents, banks, advisors, academicians and policymakers who rely on data on entrepreneur’s human capital and motivations for decision making.

Innovation and the Success of Women's Small Scale Enterprises in Ghana

Innovation is fast becoming a crucial factor in enterprise performance, growth and survival. In recent years, a growing number of studies have demonstrated how innovation leads to success in larger enterprises. Literature addressing innovation in small enterprises in developing countries is limited; most studies in this field are from developed countries. This study therefore aimed at filling the gap by firstly, exploring the innovations introduced in the Ghanaian women-owned small enterprises, and secondly finding out the relationship between these innovations and the women's business success. The innovative practices explored were the introduction of new products and processes, identification of new sources of raw materials and new markets. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are combined in data collection and analysis. Data has been obtained from a survey of 421 Ghanaian women entrepreneurs and interviews conducted with 50 of those women. The results in the study indicated that the small enterprises engaged in various types of innovative practices such as the adoption of fuel efficient processing methods, diversification of product line, improved packaging and opening of new market outlets. These innovative practices have contributed to the success of the enterprises. Their success factors include self-fulfillment, wealth creation and positive impact on the Ghanaian economy. These findings have policy implications for improved technology and funds allocation to enhance women's role in economic development.
 Keywords: Innovation; Business growth; Women-owned small enterprises; Schumpeter's entrepreneurship perspective.

Effect of Entrepreneur Innovativeness on Financial Inclusion among Women Owned Enterprises in Kenya

Effect of Entrepreneur Innovativeness on Financial Inclusion among Women Owned Enterprises in Kenya

What influences women’s entrepreneurial performance Evidence from a matrilineal society in India.

Women-owned enterprises contribute substantively to economic development. Ensuring the success and growth of their enterprises is therefore critical for sustaining the economic growth of the country. In this study, the factors that affect women entrepreneurs are explored in the context of a matrilineal society found in India. This paper aims to examine the experiences of Khasi women entrepreneurs by looking into their characteristics, the characteristics of their enterprises and the factors that influence entrepreneurial performance. Self-administered questionnaires were used for capturing data from 150 first-generation women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and service sectors. The regression analysis reveals a positive relationship between human capital (previous-work experience), financial capital (bank loan) and firm performance. However, no association was found between social capital and firm performance. As the north-eastern region is strategically important for India, promoting entrepreneurship in the region is crucial for boosting the economy. This study provides an important resource for policymakers who undertake to develop schemes that aim at facilitating the growth of women-owned enterprises in the present context.

The ICT convergence and impact on women-owned micro and small business enterprises: an analysis based on information poverty

Studies in the last two decades have helped to establish widespread mobile phone adoption in many populations including the region of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Nigeria, the largest country in SSA by population (200 million, 2019) has had extensive growth in mobile telephone subscription. The literature, however, has limited coverage for smart technologies and internet adoption for business operations, specifically for women owned micro and small business enterprises. In addition, there are limited resources in the literature on convergence of the internet and smartphones for business operations. This study fills the void and reports a study on women entrepreneurs in the region of South Eastern Nigeria and their adoption/convergence of internet and mobile phones for business operations. Elfreda Chatman's information poverty theory was used as the theoretical framework to argue that the women entrepreneurs were challenged with information poverty; thereby addressing the question: Are they information poor?

Exploration of factors for promoting women-owned digital enterprises: A conceptual viewpoint

Exploration of factors for promoting women-owned digital enterprises: A conceptual viewpoint

Effect of strategic orientation on financial inclusion among women owned enterprises in Kenya

This study evaluates the effect of strategic orientation on financial inclusion. Using data collected from a sample of 634 women-owned small and medium enterprises in Kenya and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the results supported strategic orientation-financial inclusion hypothesis. In particular, the results indicate that entrepreneurs with higher levels of market and technology orientation are more likely to be financially included, while those with higher levels of learning orientation are associated with decreased levels of financial inclusion.