Factors Influencing Women’s Involvement in Entrepreneurship: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in socio-economic growth of a country and is a major concern to both scholars and policy makers. Within entrepreneurial ecosystem, women entrepreneurs are also regarded as new growth engine of socio-economic development. Women historically have little access to traditional forms of business ventures. But these days, women’s entrepreneurship has been spoken everywhere in each part of the world. In relation to the phenomenon, it is necessary to identify the factors that motivate women into entrepreneurship. This study aims to explore the factors that influence women's participation in entrepreneurship activities. Using a qualitative method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. The discussions addressed various factors affecting the involvement of these women in their business activities. Research results show that there are five factors affecting the active participation of informants in startup activities; (1) Family’s support, (2) Environmental Effect, (3) Increase the Income Level of the Family, (4) Family Heritage Business and Exposure, and (5) Self-Independence. The findings of this study can be used as an inspiration to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. In addition, it can also be used as a reference to motivate women to become entrepreneurs.