Gender Differences and Similarities in Motivations to Become and Entrepreneur
Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Hernandez, Sarah
Keywords
Motivation, Small Business, Entrepreneur, Gender
Area of Concentration
Sociology
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to discover the motivations of entrepreneurs in leaving a previous firm and creating a business. Although studies do exist on the motivations of entrepreneurs, there are few recent studies comparing the motivations of men and women within the same sample. I compare the survey responses of 13 female and 14 male entrepreneurs in order to determine if there are significant differences between genders in motivations to leave a firm in order to become a small business owner. The data from this small sample show that men and women do have many similar motivations, however women are more likely than men to cite discrimination and barriers to advancement amongst their motivations. Also, unexpectedly, men are more likely to cite issues of work and family balance as motivations.
Recommended Citation
Check, Theresa, "Gender Differences and Similarities in Motivations to Become and Entrepreneur" (2006). Theses & ETDs. 3623.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3623
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.