Same Boundary Management Preference, Different Outcome: Toward a Gendered Perspective of Boundary Theory Among Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Work-family boundary research debates whether family demands should be integrated or separated from work demands. Our thesis is that the impact of boundary management preferences on business performance depends on the entrepreneur's gender. We also investigate how family-to-business support and business location alter the gender and boundary management preference interaction. Results show that an integration preference enhances business performance for men regardless of family-to-business support or business location. A segmentation preference aids women's business performance, especially among those with high family-to-business support and an independent business. An integration preference yields greater business performance for women with an at-home business.