CONTRIBUTIONS OF SMMEs 12
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH AFRICA 13
GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION 14
GENDER ISSUES 14
- Women‟s contribution in the private sector 14
- Impact of gender issues 15
PROBLEM STATEMENT 15
CONTRIBUTION OF STUDY 15- 16
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED 16
OUTLINE OF DISSERTATION 17
LITERATURE REVIEW
Differences between gender and sex 18
Gender differs from gender on the basis that gender is biological and gender is socially constructed (Powell & Greenhaus, 2010). Gender is also differentiated from gender on the basis that gender denotes society's and cultures' attempts to, through the socialization process, create feminine or masculine identities that will correspond to a child's gender role based on the child's genitalia and physical appearance. (Powell & Greenhaus, 2010).
Conceptualisation and construction of gender 19
- Conceptualisation of gender 19
- Construction of gender 19
Socialisation 20
- Introduction 20
- Gender socialisation implications 20
- Challenges with gender socialisation 21
- Introduction 21
- Gender contradictions 21
Men were found to experience more problems due to the expectations placed on them, such as acquiring power, sexual competence and strength. Due to the contradictions between what is expected of each gender and what the individual desires, individuals tend to fear traits that are incongruent with the norms expected by their gender (Haywood & Mac & Ghaill, 2003).
Theories of gender 22
- Biological theory 22
- Sex-role theory 22
- Social constructionist theory 23
- Gender relations theory 23
The social constructionist theory's approach to gender has been confused with the socialization of gender as both suggest that gender is socially constructed (Burr, 2003). Social constructionists believe that categories between men and women are formed within the social context (Burr, 2003).
Research on masculinity and femininity 24
- Introduction 24
- Female masculinity 24-25
Research has shown that there are differences between self-employed women and women who are formally employed (Wasilczuk & Zieba, 2008). Differences are evident in their work demands, flexibility and ability to manage work and family responsibilities (Wasilczuk & Zieba, 2008). ). Both the interpretive and social constructivist paradigms are qualitative, concerned with meaning, and interpretive (Terre Blanche & Kelly, 1999). The difference between these two paradigms lies in their ontological approach (Terre Blanche & Kelly, 1999). the researcher within the interpretive paradigm is based on the subjective understanding and experiences of individuals or groups (Cresswell, 2003).
An entrepreneur, a business women and a business leader 26
- Introduction 26
- Entrepreneur 26
- Business women and business leader 26-27
- Entrepreneurship and business ownership 27-28
- Introduction 28
- Perceptions of entrepreneurial intentions 30
- Perceptions of entrepreneurship 30
- Entrepreneurial intentions 30-31
- Introduction 31
- Role barriers 32
- Family responsibility 32
- Double burden syndrome 32
- Societal barriers 33
- Sex discrimination 33
Overview of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) 34
- Introduction 34
- Micro enterprises 34
- Small enterprises 34-35
There is consensus in the literature that a discussion of entrepreneurship is considered incomplete until small, medium and micro enterprises are discussed (Chinomona, & . Maziriri, 2015). There are a number of small businesses in South Africa that operate in the various sectors such as such as agriculture, construction, mining, manufacturing, retailing and wholesaling (Chimusheka, 2013). In South Africa, the National Small Business Act 102 of 1996 is used to provide a guideline for describing what constitutes a small, medium and micro enterprise (Chimucheka, 2013). In most cases, companies in this category are not VAT registered and do not have a trade license (Chimusheka, 2013).
A few individuals in this category manage to grow their business to qualify as a small or medium enterprise (Chimucheka, 2013). In South Africa, the small business category makes up the largest percentage of businesses established in the country.
Contribution of SMMEs owned by women 35
- Introduction 35
- Contribution of SMMEs owned by women in South Africa 36
35 The owner of the business is the one who deals with the management of the business (Chimucheka, 2013). 36 Although female business owners have made a significant contribution to the country's economy, their contribution has not been fully developed and nurtured (Maas & Herrington, 2006). Women business owners were considered part of these underprivileged communities because previously women did not have property to serve as collateral when applying for loans, and those who were married had to obtain permission from their husbands to enter into any financial agreements. .
How is the government assisting SMMEs? 36
- Introduction 36
- Importance of government tenders and BEE in building black SMMEs 36-37
- Introduction 37
- Flexibility of self employment 38
Marxist feminists suggest that it is important for both men and women to be socialized with caring for a child and household work as well as equality in the working environment (Bourne, 2006; Eddleston and Powell, 2012). The focus of Marxist feminism on entrepreneurship is about the provision of needs (Bourne, 2006). Two of the research participants contacted the researcher and they were checked for suitability for the study. In this study, the validity was ascertained in the integration of the results with relevant literature.
The lack of business networks and mentors negatively impacted the growth of women's businesses. There are researchers who argue that when an individual is aware that they are being discriminated against because of their gender, this tends to protect the individual's self-esteem (Heilman, 2012). The argument was that if the individual knew that she was being negatively affected because of her gender this would protect her from thinking that the problem was internal, such as a lack of understanding or not possessing the qualities needed to succeed (Heilman , 2012).
Feminist approaches to studying entrepreneurship 38
- Introduction 38-39
- Development feminism 39
- Marxist feminism 40
Entrepreneurship: As a gendered phenomenon 40-41
The literature argues that entrepreneurship is not a gender-neutral phenomenon (Gupta, Turban & Bhawe, 2008). In the literature, entrepreneurship is usually presented as a profession that is more suitable for men than for women (Verheul, Uhlaner, & Thurik, 2005). The purpose of this chapter is to provide a detailed description of the research design used and to argue for its suitability for this study.
The instruments used for data collection will be discussed and explanations will be provided as to why they were appropriate for this study. Finally, a description of the data analysis method used in this study will also be presented.
Type of research design 42
- Qualitative research design 42
- Appropriateness of research design 43
The researcher then further interprets the different aspects of the research topic (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The categorization of gender roles was revealed by the participants as one of the factors that perpetuates the discrimination of women in business. For some of the research participants, the categorization of gender roles does not only take place in the workplace.
The problem of lack of networks and mentors was one of the themes mentioned by participants. Women's lack of self-confidence was evident in the findings as one of the pitfalls that hinder women's ability to develop their businesses.
Paradigm perspective 43
- Interpretive and social constructivist paradigm 43-44
- Sampling 45
- Sampling method 45-46
Research methods 46
- Prior to data collection 46-47
Findings from the interviews revealed that it is not only businessmen, but society and other women who question women's ability to be business owners. The issue of gender discrimination appeared in various forms, such as sexual harassment, undermining women's ability to be business owners and categorizing gender roles. Gender discrimination was evident in various forms, such as sexual harassment, the undermining of women's abilities to be effective business owners, and the categorization of gender roles.
The participants revealed that they are not only undermined by men who are in business, but by society and other women who also question women's abilities to be effective business owners. Participants reported experiencing sexual harassment when seeking business deals or when they wanted to enter into a partnership with male business owners who were already in business.
Ethical consideration 48-49
- Thematic analysis 49
- Familiarising yourself with data 49
- Generating initial codes 50
- Searching for themes 50
Evaluating the quality of research study 51
- Introduction 51-52
- Credibility 52
- Tactics to help with credibility 53
- Transferability 53-54
- Confirmability 54
FINDINGS
Brief background to the findings 55
This also affected how women are treated in their workplaces and the challenges they face as business owners.
Gender discrimination 56
- Ability undermining 56-57
- Categorisation of gender roles 59
It is very difficult to try to overcome not being seen as not good enough or competent to be a business leader because of being a woman, the sad thing about this is that it is not only men who undermine women, as I informed my friends that I wanted to be in the trucking industry, some of them told me that women are not meant to be business leaders, as most of them do not succeed in business” (P# 5). Women are not confident enough, I tell you, I have observed that in most cases they doubt themselves, they are you not confident, they do not use themselves, if you want to be a leader, you must lead, you should be available, you should use yourself, so really, until women learn to use themselves and to be sure this thing will just go on and on and know that women are not respected at work” (P#1) . Participants also reported experiencing sexual harassment when they wanted to be partnered with men who had already established their business.
This categorization of gender roles is perceived by research participants to result in women being treated differently when they choose careers that are perceived to be for men. Women are discriminated against, it doesn't just happen in the workplace, society categorizes women and men, women are expected to be caring, caring and men are expected to be strong and providers and there are some jobs that are related to men and women.
Entrepreneurial characteristics 60
Balancing work and family responsibilities 60-61
- Entrepreneurial characteristics 75
The participants belittled the issue of women and men having different qualities in terms of good business owners. The participants emphasized that men and women should not be treated differently, as women are capable of doing what men do, and therefore now work in male-dominated sectors. In this study, the participants reported experiencing some kind of discriminatory attitudes because of their gender.
On the other hand, men are expected to be the ones to initiate sexual relations. Participants reported traits such as dedication, risk-taking, and patience as characteristics that define a good entrepreneur for both genders.
Challenges faced by women in business 75
- Gender discrimination 75
- Sexual harassment 76
- Categorisation of gender roles 76
This chapter then concludes with suggestions for the focus of future research aimed at studying women who own businesses. When participants were asked about the characteristics of a good female and male entrepreneur, there was agreement among the research participants that there are no gender-specific characteristics in entrepreneurship. The participants reported that their male counterparts would ask for sexual pleasure in exchange for business deals.
The participants reported on the categorization of gender roles as perpetuating the gender discrimination of women in business. Participants reported that this was because women in the socially expected gender roles are not categorized as business owners.
Traps for female business owners 76
- Balancing work and family responsibilities 76
- Lack of self confidence 77
- Lack of Networking and mentors 77
As a result, when women become business owners, they are treated differently than men, mostly negatively. The results showed that lack of self-confidence worsens when women are discriminated against and undermined. The findings showed that a lack of mentors and networking is seen as a barrier for female business owners to grow their businesses, as they find it difficult to get support from their male colleagues.
Conclusions 77
Limitations of the study 78
A critical analysis of the influence of start-up factors in small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures in South Africa. I understand that I can withdraw at any stage of the interview and that this decision will not negatively impact me in any way. I understand that I will be given feedback on the results of the full study.
In addition to consenting to participation, I hereby accept audio recording of the interview for the purpose of data capture. Please understand that participation is voluntary and that you are not forced to participate in this study and may withdraw at any point during the interview.
Recommendations 78-79
Additional consent for audio recording 88
Interview schedule 89
Information sheet 90
