Factors that affect women entrepreneurs: evidence from an emerging economy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that motivate women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become self‐employed.Design/methodology/approach – Different factors, documented in previous research, that affect women's decisions to start their own businesses were included in a questionnaire. A total of 750 women entrepreneurs in the UAE were asked to express the degree of agreement with the factors listed in the questionnaire. Of them, 449 completed the questionnaire.Findings – Financial support from the government especially in the start‐up capital is an important factor that motivates women to establish their own businesses. Self‐fulfillment, knowledge, skills and experience, including relationship to spouse/father business, are all important factors in the development of women entrepreneurs. Unlike previous research factors such social norms, market network, and competition do not seem to be barriers for women in becoming entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implications – Questionnai...

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