Factors influencing women performance in entrepreneurship: A case of Salon businesses within Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Abstract
In spite of the apparent benefits of entrepreneurship, there is little empirical
data on how far the perceived benefits of women entrepreneurship are realized in Africa
(Chigunta, 2005) especially in rural areas where empirical research data is hard to come
by. In view of this, a study on this topic was appropriate. Therefore, was important to
conduct research involving women entrepreneurs under a collective culture. This study
aimed at filling the gap by exploring women entrepreneurial future plans, problems of
venturing in business and the motivation for entering entrepreneurial jobs among women
in Eldoret. The study was guided by the following research objectives; To establish the
extent to which career interest influence performance of women in entrepreneurship
ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to establish the extent to
which access to funding influence performance of women in entrepreneurship ventures
within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to determine extent to which
influence of business planning skills of women on their performance in entrepreneurship
ventures within Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and to determine the influence
of work life balance on performance of women in entrepreneurship ventures within
Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. In this research, descriptive research design
was used. This Study targeted 200 respondents/ women entrepreneurs from the selected
salons in Eldoret town. The researcher employed Census sampling technique. A sample
size of 132 was selected from the target population. The study employed the use of
questionnaires as the main tool of data collection. Data collected was subjected to
quantitative analysis to find out the major problematic factors and a test applied to find
the statistical significance of the research questions. The study found out that many
women entrepreneurs in Uasin- Gishu County were married women. This might have
been because of the support that these women get from their husbands in terms of capital
and moral support and guidance in business. The study also revealed that women with
small households were more involved with business than those with large households.
The study found out that majority of women entrepreneurs were those women with a
relatively high level of education i.e. those with college and university education were
more involved in business. This is partly because of their literacy level is high. The study
found out that career interest in women lowered their involvement in business ventures
This is probably because of the little time left on their disposal that is used as family time
thus hinder their involvement in entrepreneur ventures. It is evident that the involvement
of women in Entrepreniual ventures is faced with so many huddles that the majority of
women have surpassed to be equivalent in business with the male. The mothering role of
women is seen as a hindrance to performance in Entrepreniual ventures due to the work
life balance that comes with their role. On the other hand majority of the respondents saw
women as having the same capabilities in performing in business if given an equal
opportunity with men. It is also seen that the women luck basic managerial skills like
self-concept, managerial competence and commitment to business.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
Thesis
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5964]