AGUMADU, MERCY ADEOLA and Covenant University, Theses (2021) ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAITS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, COVENANT UNIVERSITY.
![[img]](http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) |
PDF
Download (261kB) |
Abstract
Women are fast engaging in the entrepreneurial activities in order to generate incomes and create wealth which in turn is meant to have a positive effect on the economy. However, many of these businesses operated by women fail within the first five years of their establishment. Although women entrepreneurs possess entrepreneurial traits which in most cases have prompted them to start their business, there is still a need for them to develop relevant competencies to grow their business. This study, therefore, examined how competencies is viewed as an important construct that can strengthen entrepreneurial traits and lead to the performance of the businesses. The study focused on selected four women entrepreneur’s association in Nigeria. Concurrent explanatory mixed method approach was employed which implied that validation of the quantitative data was done by the qualitative data. A total of 500 copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents. Semi structured interviews were also conducted for twenty top management staff of the selected women entrepreneur’s associations. Structural Equation Model (SMART-PLS) was used for the analysis of the 464 returned and valid copies of the questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the semi structured interview responses. The result from the test of the hypotheses showed that; the risk propensity of women entrepreneurs considerably and significantly impacts on market share, (T-value=12.637, P-value =0.000 <0.05); Adaptability of women entrepreneurs significantly affect the perceived customer satisfaction of an SME, (Tvalue=28.827, P-value =0.000 <0.05); Assertiveness of women entrepreneurs significantly influence social performance of SMEs, (T-value=5.544, P-value =0.000 <0.05); Creativity of women entrepreneurs significantly stimulate business competitiveness of an SME (T-value=8.305, P-value =0.000 <0.05); Competency has a significant and moderating effect on entrepreneurial traits and performance of Nigerian women in an SME (β = 0.103, t= 2.334, p= 0.040). Result from the thematic analysis validated the findings from the test of the hypotheses. Based on the outcomes of the quantitative and qualitative approach, the study concluded that women entrepreneurs displayed the ability to invest in risk projects with a hope of high returns and this has affected their market coverage positively. In addition, women entrepreneurs also respond to the demands of the customers in flexible manner proffering solutions to issues raised thereby improving on their services and customer satisfaction. Women entrepreneurs also look at problems in a new way, hence, improving business competitiveness of the SME. The study therefore recommends trainings for women entrepreneurs to enhance their competency level for better performance. In addition, the government should develop enabling policies to promote women entrepreneurs, as this will increase job creation, reduce poverty and generate wealth for the country.
| Item Type: | Thesis (["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined]) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Competency, Entrepreneurship, Performance, SMEs, Trait, Women |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Hannah Akinwumi |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Mar 2021 10:45 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Mar 2021 10:45 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/13859 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
