Title: Effectiveness of women entrepreneurs in the 21st century

Authors: James R. Maxwell, Dorothy Carole Yaw

Addresses: Industrial Technology Education Department, Indiana State University, TC219D – John Myers Technology Center, 200 North Seventh Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809–9989, USA. ' Industrial Technology Education Department, Indiana State University, TC219D – John Myers Technology Center, 200 North Seventh Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809–9989, USA

Abstract: Entrepreneurs, nearly 50% of which are women, started most small businesses. Entrepreneurs are persons with some knowledge or skill in a business field, and some funds, who take the risk of venturing into business in various states of preparedness or unpreparedness. In the process of choosing a business area, deciding definitely to go into business, and going through all the agonies of getting the business started, entrepreneurs have few people to turn to for support and comfort. They tend to be loners, self dependent people characterised by a slight mistrust of other business people and workers. They keep their affairs to themselves, make all decisions, and carry the sole burden for all aspects of business operation. The purpose of this paper is to look at the characteristics of successful women entrepreneurs.

Keywords: women entrepreneurs; female entrepreneurs; gender; entrepreneurship; management; future trends; successful entrepreneurs; small business owners; effectiveness; 21st century.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2008.017308

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2008 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.349 - 357

Published online: 24 Feb 2008 *

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