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Decision-Making of Female Entrepreneurs – a Perspective on Motherhood

Hentrich, Elisa (2022) Decision-Making of Female Entrepreneurs – a Perspective on Motherhood.

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Abstract:In recent years, entrepreneurial decision-making and gender differences have been in the research spotlight. However, there are gender-specific factors that affect the entrepreneurial experience. According to feminist literature and recent data, motherhood is one factor that imposes additional considerations on female entrepreneurs. This paper examines the decision-making preferences of female entrepreneurs and sheds light on specific aspects of motherhood that may influence entrepreneurial behavior. Previous decision-making research identified two dichotomous types of decision-making behavior: causation and effectuation. In contrast to the focus of causal behavior on business planning, effectual behavior is characterized by adaptation to given circumstances. This study seeks to investigate the connection between motherhood and effectuation. A total of seven female founders were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The data analysis revealed that female founders generally employ a more effectual approach to decision-making. Instead of defining a business plan, they were more likely to launch their company with the resources at hand and likely to focus on what they could afford to lose rather than on anticipated returns. In addition, this study revealed possible explanations for the extent to which motherhood influences various decisions. Overall, this paper adds to the research on female entrepreneurship and demonstrates the need for further investigation into the specific factors of motherhood that influence female founders' venture creation.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Programme:International Business Administration BSc (50952)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/91201
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