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Women business owners’ start-up motivations and network structure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2016

Jalleh Sharafizad  and
Alan Coetzer
Jalleh Sharafizad*
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia
Alan Coetzer
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia
*
Corresponding author: j.sharafizad@ecu.edu.au
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Abstract

This research responds to calls for studies aimed at developing a more nuanced understanding of women small business owners’ networking behaviours and structures. The study examined whether business start-up motivations and phase of the business (prestart-up, start-up and established) influenced women’s networking behaviours and structures. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 28 women. Interview data were used to categorise participants into classic, forced, and work–family owners. Analysis of the interviews found no marked differences in networking behaviours and network structures of participants during prestart-up phase. During start-up and established phases differences began to emerge. Given that classic and forced owners had established their businesses for financial reasons, a diverse network was more relevant for them. However, work–family participants established the business for family/work balance, thus a small network of close ties was sufficient to achieve their business goals. Theoretical, practical and research implications of the findings are outlined.

Keywords

business start-up motivationsnetworknetwork structuresmall businesswomen small business owners
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 23 , Issue 2 , March 2017 , pp. 206 - 223
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2016 

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