A comparative study of the entrepreneurial characteristics of funded versus non funded women entrepreneurs in Nairobi.
Abstract
This study seeks to identify factors that may act as a driving force to women
entrepreneurs in seeking external funding. It also seeks to establish whether there exist
any entrepreneurial differences between the funded and the unfunded women
entrepreneurs.
To achieve the objectives of the study, a sample of one hundred women entrepreneurs
operating within Nairobi district were, selected. To ensure an equal representation,
Nairobi district was divided into five zones, namely; central, eastern, western, northern
and southern. Primary data was collected by the use of a questionnaire. A fifty one
percent (51 %) response' rate was achieved.
The entrepreneurial characteristics investigated were; locus of control, independence and
risk taking, while the influencing factors included formal education, training, experience,
birth order, parental influence, religion and ethnicity. The study also sought to identify if .,
there was any relationship between any of the above characteristics /factors and external - funding for the enterprises.
Data was analyzed using proportions, percentages and means. Graphical displays were
used to amplify the comparative analysis.
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Results indicate that there are no significant differences in entrepreneurial characteristics
between funded and none funded women entrepreneurs. Therefore the variables used are
not determinants of the entrepreneurial behaviour analysed.
It was also found that the drive and ability to go for external funding can be attributed to
personal traits which can not be generalized. The level of education was found to above
primary school level with those with degree level of education getting into business.
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Citation
A Management Research Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA), School Of Business, University Of NairobiPublisher
Business Administration