Exploring the Motivation and Barriers in Way of Pakistani Female Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Aims: Many women are entrepreneurs worldwide however the global impact of female entrepreneurs is just beginning to achieve intensity and concentration. The number of female business owners continues to increase steadily worldwide, today women in advanced markets and economies own more than 25 per cent of all businesses (NFWBO, 1998). Women are struggling hard to bear the risk of new venture for chance of profit. There exists a short literature truly addressing opportunities and challenges of female entrepreneurs in developing countries like Pakistan which calls for an enquiry. This paper aims to explore the factors responsible for motivation and hindrance in the way of female entrepreneurs and also address the pertinent gender issues in context of Pakistan. Study Design: Qualitative approach was employed according to the nature of sample available. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in four major cities of Pakistan i.e. Faisalabad, Lahore, Sargodha, Sialkot. The duration of study was from January 2011 to June 2012. Methodology: Qualitative approach was employed according to the nature of sample available. Focus group discussion was used as data gathering instrument. A sample of 160 respondents was gathered. Results: The findings of the study illustrate that female entrepreneurs are motivated to earn money for personal use, to contribute to family income, Personal ambition, and for self satisfaction. In addition, the perceived barriers for female entrepreneurs are inadequate education, Lack of guidance, Capital unavailability and Customs and local culture. Conclusion: The study has revealed that females taking part in entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan are mostly married with low education level. Female entrepreneurs in Pakistan seem to be motivated to become entrepreneurs mainly from factors like “due to earn money for personal use, to contribute to family income, Personal ambition, and For self satisfaction. The findings of study indicated that factors such as “Inadequate education, Lack of guidance, Capital unavailability and Customs and local culture appear to be as barriers in the way of female entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan.