SAUDI ARABIAN WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL

Amal A. Basaffar (), Linda S. Niehm () and Robert Bosselman ()
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Amal A. Basaffar: King Abdulaziz University, 80200 Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Linda S. Niehm: Iowa State University, 1066 LeBaron Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Robert Bosselman: Iowa State University, 004 MacKay Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA

Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), 2018, vol. 23, issue 02, 1-20

Abstract: Although traditional cultural norms have tended to impede Saudi women’s engagement in entrepreneurship, there are successful female business owners in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government, seeing female entrepreneurship as a way to strengthen both the family unit and the economy, has recently created programs to encourage more women to become business owners. However, few women have taken advantage of these programs to date. This study aimed to identify factors that enable female business owners to realize their entrepreneurial potential. Nine business-owning women were interviewed for this phenomenological study. Drawing on Kreuger and Brazeal’s Model of Entrepreneurial Potential (MEP), the study investigated Saudi female entrepreneurs’ perceived self-efficacy, perceived desirability, perceived feasibility and propensity to act on entrepreneurial opportunities. Currently, limited empirical research exists on women’s entrepreneurial activity in Saudi Arabia. This study sought to fill that gap. Results from this study revealed unique strategic approaches and business success factors from the perspective of Saudi women, including their ability to work within or around cultural norms and rules to operate their businesses. The study suggests ways in which Saudi society can support women in realizing their entrepreneurial potential and also makes policy recommendations for government and business support entities.

Keywords: Model of Entrepreneurial Potential; Saudi Arabia; female entrepreneurs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1142/S1084946718500139

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