Women entrepreneurs
It is with considerable interest that I have read the report of Asia Development Bank on Women Entrepreneurs Indonesia. As the economy is becoming more competitive, many countries are experiencing " Entrepreneurial Revolution" with women playing a very important roles in creating jobs and services, particularly in the service sector, and in many instances becoming the sole bread winners.
In fact , enabling women to own and operate their own businesses is more significant in those countries where deep rooted traditions do not , as yet, allow many women to either work outside of their home or take jobs.
Also some of these countries have as yet to recognize that providing opportunities for women to seek higher education is fundamental to their own development.
It is admirable that although women still face the challenges of funding gap and role conflict, research shows that they are being successful as entrepreneurs every where. (I will not bother you with the statistics).
Although research in this important area is still ongoing, some other reasons for their success are:
1. Women are extremely good at creating networks, which then provide strong structures and support for their success. In other words, they see their businesses as co-operative networks of relationships than merely profit making entities.
2.Women entrepreneurs demonstrate strong negotiating skills when dealing with their suppliers, customers, employee, etc, and at the same time they know how to reconcile conflicting demands and balance priorities vis-a- vis their home life.
3. Women entrepreneurs demonstrate good social skills and are usually very articulate and persuasive; these skills enable them to create repeat customers and appeal to the senses of the first time buyer of a new product.
4. In the business world, when negotiating with a bank or venture capitalist for loans, women are perceived to be more sincere, responsible and committed to their new undertaking.
5. Women entrepreneurs also demonstrate more sensitivity to the environmental issues, and they are less likely to violate government regulations.
6. Finally, when these women entrepreneurs make money, they prove to be astute in the money management skills.
7. However, by and large, women entrepreneurs are more cautious risks takers than men.
It is most encouraging to read that the ADB report on Women Entrepreneurs is confirming some of the factors contributing to the success of these women, what some of us in the field, have known for some time.
ALEXANDRA R. FIC
Professor, Brock University
St.Catharines.
Ontario, L2T 1X2,
Canada