Role of context on propensity of women to own business

Abstract

The obstacles to, influences on, and impact of women’s business ownership have been studied for the researchers, offering a substantial knowledge about the female entrepreneurs and their businesses. However, the vast majority of research about women entrepreneurs is still very western-oriented, and more studies are needed based on international data. This investigation examines the extent to which a set of social and firm factors influences women’s decisions to start and grow their own businesses. It includes 59 countries and takes into account their stages of economic development. Findings show that the level of a country’s development has an impact on how social and firm factors affect women’s decisions to become engaged in business. Findings also show that women’s education levels are independent of their country’s level of economic development, in terms of its impact on their entrepreneurship. Recommendations are provided to promote women’s entrepreneurship and support them to reach their potential.