Title: The impact of gender difference on entrepreneurship inclinations in Nigeria

Authors: John Unruh; Aderogba Adewusi; Mehraz Boolaky

Addresses: University of Liverpool, P.O. Box 16203, Two Rivers, Alaska 99716, USA ' University of Liverpool/Laureate, 34, Eric Moore Rd, Iganmu, Lagos, Nigeria ' University of Liverpool/Laureate, 36 A Swami Sivanandah Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius

Abstract: This paper explores gender differences attributed to the motivators a group of entrepreneurs in a Nigerian city have in opting to run their own business. It uses the existing theoretical framework of push and pull factors to determine the motivation for male and female entrepreneurs to be in business and explore the potential gender differences that may exist within the entrepreneurial motivations. Empirical data collected from semi-structured interviews used a convenience sample of 60 entrepreneurs, 30 males and 30 females. Most of the administered survey questions were presented using a Likert format to determine the characteristics of each group. The resultant data were inferentially analysed to develop conclusions about significant differences from mean scores. The study found that males were significantly different from females in their reasons for starting a business; as one example, more female entrepreneurs expected to enjoy their jobs compared with the men even though many of them expressed that they do not have other satisfying jobs. The results of this research work identified some differences which are peculiar to only Nigerian entrepreneurs; they should not be used to infer equivalent gender differences in other countries except where these studies are replicated.

Keywords: entrepreneurship education; male entrepreneurs; female entrepreneurs; job preferences; own boss; customer orientation; gender differences; entrepreneurial orientation; Nigeria; women entrepreneurs; motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2014.063391

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2014 Vol.13 No.1, pp.1 - 24

Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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