Opportunity and Constraint faced by Women Entrepreneur

Abstract

This research is based on the topic of opportunities and constraints faced by women entrepreneurs. This study was conducted in the United Kingdom on a group of eight female entrepreneurs. The participants were asked to conduct a focus group discussion, and were provided with different questions. This research adopted a qualitative research methodology and utilised both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was presented in the literature review section, and primary data in the fourth chapter i.e. data presentation, analysis, and findings. The findings of the research have revealed that there are different obstacles in the society for women entrepreneurs. However with different success factors such as networking, human and financial capital, experience, and education, women entrepreneurs can overcome all challenges and manage and develop their enterprise successfully.

Acknowledgment

In the beginning, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisors, parents, and teachers who have supported me throughout this project. This dissertation has been finished successfully because of their efforts and contributions.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTII

ACKNOWLEDGMENTIII

1.1 Background of the Study1

1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Study3

1.3 Rationale for the Study3

1.4 Problem Statement4

1.5Structure of the Thesis4

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW7

2.1 Definition of Entrepreneurship7

2.2 Female Entrepreneurship8

2.3 History of Female Entrepreneurship9

2.4 Female Entrepreneurship across Countries12

2.5 Female Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries14

2.6 International Development Programs16

2.7 Management Style & Personal Attributes of Female Entrepreneurs16

2.8 Success Factors for Female Entrepreneurs19

2.9 Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs22

CHAPTER 03: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY25

3.0 Research Design25

3.1 Theoretical Framework of Gender Differences in Entrepreneurship25

3.1 Qualitative Research28

3.2 Data Collection30

3.3 Focus Group Discussion31

3.4 Participants of Focus Group Discussion32

3.5 Research Ethics32

CHAPTER 04: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND FINDINGS34

4.1 Findings of Focus Group Discussion34

Discussion45

CHAPTER 05: CONCLUSION49

REFERENCES54

BIBLIOGRAPHY57

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Dating back to colonial times, entrepreneurs have demonstrated their innovative skills and abilities across a broad range of industries: from bankers, and plantation owners, as well as proprietors of workshops and other types of manufacturers. These included women entrepreneurs like Eliza Lucas Pickney who in 1744 established herself as a major indigo grower and exporter and Mary Katherine Goddard who in 1775 became the publisher of the Maryland Journal. At various times during the nineteenth century, women struggled with men to dominate the factory floor. Although this was true at certain times, there were times when women labourers respected for their skills and knowledge and oftentimes held supervisory positions. As early as 1834 were recorded debates that women should receive higher wages and given more employment opportunities than what men were receiving at the time.

The topic of women entrepreneurship needs to be studied because of two important reasons. The first reason is that the importance of women entrepreneurship has been recognised during the last decade. It is because the involvement of women in business is associated with the overall economic growth. Women entrepreneurship results in the creation of opportunities for themselves as well as for others. Women entrepreneurs provide the society with different solutions for business management. Women entrepreneurs face discrimination from the lenders, male counterparts, as well as from the overall ...