Women entrepreneurship in developing economies: A gender-based growth model

Abstract

Women entrepreneurship research in the developing world relies on theoretical perspectives derived elsewhere. Hence, understanding the original business-development approaches adopted by women entrepreneurs in developing economies remains elusive. Accordingly, rich data generated through 31 in-depth interviews and artifacts of Nigerian women entrepreneurs in the garment manufacturing business was collected and analyzed. The analysis revealed distinct constructs that account for women business-development activities. It shows money (access and utilization), market (customer intelligence), and management (nonformal education and experience) as crucial enterprise development components in women entrepreneurship. Motherhood (household responsibilities), meso- and macro-environments (socioeconomic and cultural factors) not only affected business development but also inhibited women entrepreneurs’ access and utilization of money, management, and markets and shaped their business development actions. Theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurship research and policy development initiatives in the developing world are offered.