Women business owners' start-up motivations and network structure
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Management & Organization
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
School
School of Business and Law
RAS ID
22407
Abstract
This research responds to calls for studies aimed at developing a more nuanced understanding of women small business owners’ networking behaviours and structures. The study examined whether business start-up motivations and phase of the business (prestart-up, start-up and established) influenced women’s networking behaviours and structures. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 28 women. Interview data were used to categorise participants into classic, forced, and work–family owners. Analysis of the interviews found no marked differences in networking behaviours and network structures of participants during prestart-up phase. During start-up and established phases differences began to emerge. Given that classic and forced owners had established their businesses for financial reasons, a diverse network was more relevant for them. However, work–family participants established the business for family/work balance, thus a small network of close ties was sufficient to achieve their business goals. Theoretical, practical and research implications of the findings are outlined.
DOI
10.1017/jmo.2016.51
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Sharafizad, J., & Coetzer, A. (2017). Women business owners’ start-up motivations and network structure. Journal of Management & Organization, 23(2), 206-223. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2016.51