Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences

Purpose - This study aims to explore the differences in the entrepreneurial experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. The study investigates what entrepreneurs learn, how they learn, who they learn from and what prompted such learning. Design/methodology/approach - The data under analysis is drawn from a qualitative study which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally as a case study in ten firms over a period of five years. The case study findings are analysed and discussed using a learning framework. Findings - The findings suggest some differences in the learning experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. Whilst male entrepreneurs were more likely to challenge and depart from industry norms, thus utilising double-loop learning process, female entrepreneurs were more likely to engage in ‘routinised’ learning which enhances confidence, thus adopting the single-loop learning process. Research limitations/implications - The main implication of the study for policy-makers is that unique training, networking and support programmes should be designed for women entrepreneurs. The study is limited to the extent that it can be generalised to a wider population of small businesses. Originality/value - To date, there have only been speculations and little understanding about whether there are differences in the entrepreneurial learning experiences between men and women. Thus, policy-makers have little guidance as to whether or not unique training and support programmes should be designed for female entrepreneurs. The study is novel in so far as it was conducted longitudinally over a period of five years to sufficiently follow the learning behavioural pattern of entrepreneurs in different business sectors

Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process

Purpose - This paper presents an exploration into the internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies. It seeks to conceptualise the strategies as a learning process. Design/methodology/approach - The research is qualitative using a case study approach involving in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally. Findings - The findings suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs adopt mostly the network or, in some cases, the international new venture (born-global) market entry approach rather than the traditional stage by stage approach. The findings also suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs have perceived advantages over domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because of their foreign exposure which has influenced their entrepreneurial behaviour in exploiting business opportunities. Research implications – The main implication of the study is that entrepreneurs who are beginning to internationalise their activities should seek to exploit potential first-mover advantages in emerging economies by realising an approach of internationalisation at high speed. Originality - The paper contributes to better understanding of the diaspora entrepreneurship and its dynamics

Influences on the behaviour of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities towards debt and bankruptcy

This article sets out to examine the attitudes towards debt, bankruptcy and the bankruptcy process of black and minority ethnic (BME) entrepreneurs and individuals who are experiencing bankruptcy; and to assess the extent to which their attitudes towards debt and bankruptcy have been influenced by various external factors, including their cultural and religious practices. The paper uses a qualitative methodology that involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation, where possible. The findings suggest that in many ethnic minority communities, there are strong cultural and religious imperatives to settle debts, and this can lead to a strong desire to resist at all costs the bankruptcy process. The main finding of this study is that there is a high level of ignorance and a lack of understanding of the actions that can be taken when they find themselves in financial difficulties. The main implication of this study is that education, which fosters financial literacy and pre-bankruptcy counselling, can empower consumers and enhance responsible financial decision making. There is very little research work in this area, and the paper is based on qualitative research that captures for the first time why the attitudes and behaviour of BME groups towards debt and bankruptcy differ from those of the white population

African entrepreneurs, financial literacy, debt and bankruptcy

This chapter is concerned with the behaviour of African entrepreneurs and individual towards debt and bankruptcy; and to assess the extent to which their attitudes and behaviour towards debt and bankruptcy are influenced by their cultural and religious practices. The study is based on a qualitative research method involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews and, in some cases, direct observation. The findings suggest that among African entrepreneurs and individuals there are compelling cultural and religious reasons to settle debts and this can lead to a strong desire to resist at all costs the bankruptcy process. The study also revealed a high level of ignorance and a lack of understanding among the Africans of the actions they can take when they find themselves in financial difficulties. The implication of these findings is that financial literacy and pre-bankruptcy counselling can empower this group of consumers and influence competent financial decision making

Entrepreneurial learning: gender differences

Objectives: This study aims to explore the differences in the entrepreneurial experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. The study investigates what entrepreneurs learn, how they learn, who they learn from and what prompted such learning. Prior Work: While Fenwick (2002) suggests that female entrepreneurs learn subjectively and thus differently from their male counterparts, other studies such as Kirkwood (2009) conclude that men tend to have higher self-confidence than women and this affects their entrepreneurial intentions. In their study, Van Velsor and Hughes-James (1990) indicate that although most of the respondents reported job assignment as the significant learning incident, there were subtle differences between the preferences and sources of learning among men and women managers. However, Bryans and Mavin (2003) argue that because women are sometimes placed in less visible and less responsible positions, the new assignment they receive and the lessons they subsequently learn are significantly different from those of men. Approach: The data under analysis is drawn from a qualitative study which involves in-dept, semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally in ten case study companies over a period of four years. The case study findings are analysed and discussed using a learning framework. Results: The findings suggest significant differences in the learning experiences between male and female entrepreneurs. Whilst male entrepreneurs were more likely to challenge and depart from industry norms, thus utilising double-loop learning process, female entrepreneurs were more likely to engage in ‘routinised’ learning which enhances confidence, thus adopting the single-loop learning process. Implications: The main implication of the study for policy-makers is that unique training, networking and support programmes should be designed for women entrepreneurs. The study is limited to the extent that it can be generalised to a wider population of small businesses. Value: To date, there have only been speculations and little understanding about whether there are differences in the entrepreneurial learning experiences between men and women. Thus, policy-makers have little guidance as to whether or not unique training and support programmes should be designed for female entrepreneurs. The study is novel in so far as it was conducted longitudinally over a period of four years to sufficiently follow the learning behavioural pattern of entrepreneurs in different business sectors. This is in view of the fact that “longitudinal research inside the organisation has been noticeable only by its absence in the small firm sector” (Deakins et al, 2000, p.213)

The investment decision-making process in small manufacturing enterprises: with particular reference to printing and clothing industries.

This research is concerned with the investment decision making process in small manufacturing enterprises in the printing and clothing industries. The focus is on the actual decision-making behaviour of owner-managers. The study uses' Insider accounts' as a qualitative and innovative methodology, which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation,conducted longitudinally in 8 case study companies. It is a research method which includes detailed accounts from the actors themselves, incorporating the actual motives and behaviour of owner-managers based on the philosophy that the 'objects' studied are in fact 'subjects', who produce accounts of their world. The results of the study suggest that owner-manager use 'bootstrapping’ techniques for their investment appraisal instead of formal methods such as those recommended in the financial management literature. Bootstrapping represents an approach to decision making that is grounded in previous experience of key decision-makers and their organisations and the largely informal routines that they develop from this. These techniques include a combination of experience judgement and gut-feeling,budgets and forecasts and the tendering process. The concept of bootstrapping is not simply a way of owner-managers finding a solution to a problem or a sort of 'fire-fighting’ it is a concept of actions grounded in experiential leaming. In this sense, bootstrapping is a particular form of learning behaviour. It is essentially a trial and error learning process which brings knowledge, skills, values and attitudes together and provides owner-managers with an opportunity to evaluate outcomes associated with investment based on previous experience. Therefore, the researcher believes that conceptualising small firm investment decision making within the context of an organisational learning approach holds promise as an explanatory framework for investment behaviour in small firms

Diaspora entrepreneurship and international market entry strategies in the emerging economies: a learning process

This paper presents an exploration into the market entry strategies of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies. The research is qualitative using a case study approach involving in-depth semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs adopt mostly the network or, in some cases, the international new venture (born-global) market entry strategy rather than the traditional stage by stage approach. They also reveal that diaspora entrepreneurs adopt a learning process for their market entry. The paper contributes to better understanding on the transnational diaspora entrepreneurship and its dynamics. The implications for the study are also discussed

Liquidity management in small firms: a learning perspective.

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on liquidity management in small firms and how this may be best met. It seeks to present results from eight case study firms to demonstrate different types of learning in small firms. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a qualitative methodology that involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation, conducted longitudinally in eight case study companies. Findings – The findings suggest that liquidity management is either based on owner-manager past experiences, experiences of others or is strongly influenced by industry norms, which are shared rules within the industry, and not based on the calculation of costs and benefits of particular causes of action. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to the extent to which it can be generalised to a wider population of small firms. The main implication is that policy makers should facilitate networking opportunities where owner-managers can interact with external advisors. Originality/value – The originality and value of the paper is that it conceptualises liquidity management in small firms as a learning process utilising closed and open loop learning

Factors influencing the use of e-commerce by small enterprises in Nigeria

The aim of this paper is to assess the factors influencing the use of e-commerce by small enterprises in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative methodology which involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews and direct observation in order to derive answers to such questions as ‘why’ the system is adopted and ‘how’ the Nigeria economic conditions influence the system. The study suggests that the main factors which motivate the adoption of e-commerce by small businesses in Nigeria are market expansion and reduced market costs. The findings also indicate that increasing access to the Internet and changing lifestyle enable the success of e-commerce in Nigeria. The implications of the study are discussed

Succession challenges facing family businesses in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to examine how succession planning is carried out in family-owned businesses in Saudi Arabia. The study adopts a qualitative methodology which involves semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The major findings of the research is that most of the family businesses in Saudi Arabia do not have a proper succession plan due mainly to socio-cultural issues such as mistrust and conflict of interest between the older and the younger members of the family and also subservience of women in the society generally. The implications of the study are discussed including a paradigm shift where women are encouraged and given the opportunity to get involved in the running of their family businesses