Title: Examining female entrepreneurial firms: can we predict growth orientation?

Authors: Emma Fleck

Addresses: Sigmund Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, PA 17870, Selinsgrove, USA

Abstract: Both regional and global evidence presents a positive picture of increased entrepreneurial activity among females, and highlights, in particular, the rise in the rate of early stage entrepreneurs across both developed and emerging nations. However, it appears that a significant percentage of female-owned organisations remain small in size, with limited growth. Traditional growth models seem unable to account for this phenomenon and do not consider differences in gender as a causal factor. Consequently, this paper examines the growth orientation of female-owned firms in Ireland. Specifically, it identifies the factors that impact this process and provides clarity on predicting the growth trajectories based upon these entrepreneurial and organisational factors. As such, it aims to provide a mechanism to predict and stimulate high growth businesses among female entrepreneurs both within Ireland and across similar countries.

Keywords: female entrepreneurs; growth factors; growth trajectories; predicting growth; entrepreneurial activity; gender; female-owned; stimulate high-growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2019.104137

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2019 Vol.38 No.4, pp.452 - 475

Received: 19 Dec 2017
Accepted: 18 Jan 2018
Published online: 20 Dec 2019 *

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