How perceptions influence actions
: gender differences in entrepreneurial decisions

  • Jeanne Marie Wittelsbürger (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The importance of women as a largely untapped pool of entrepreneurial talent has been widely recognized by academics and practitioners. Their continued underrepresentation in the workforce as well as the tendency to lead smaller ventures with slower growth and lower risk propensity is impairing proper economic growth due to the underutilization of women’s full economic potential. Based on Social Feminist and Liberal Feminist Theory, this thesis argues that women’s lower level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, the confidence in one’s ability to start a business, is a key factor influencing their business decisions regarding growth and risk. Building on data provided by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on gender and resulting business decisions is analyzed. Findings indicate significant gender differences in entrepreneurial decision-making regarding growth, innovation and export propensity. Furthermore, entrepreneurial self-efficacy has a higher effect on growth intentions of women, whereas its influence is more significant for men regarding innovation and export. In addition to making valuable contributions to the existing female entrepreneurship literature, the results have important implications for public policies and management.
Date of Award13 Jul 2017
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorSusana Frazão Ferreira Fernandes Pinheiro (Supervisor)

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas

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