Gender Diversity and Its Role in the Development of Entrepreneurship

This report investigates the influence of gender diversity on the entrepreneurial sector, focusing on the roles and impacts of both male and female entrepreneurs. The study examines the concept of male and female entrepreneurship, analyzes the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, and evaluates the contributions of each gender to the development of the entrepreneurial sector. It also explores the different approaches men and women take when starting businesses, with a specific focus on the context of Trinidad and Tobago. The research employs a descriptive research design, utilizing a positivist research philosophy and an inductive approach, with data collected through questionnaires and secondary sources like books and journals. The data analysis involves thematic analysis to present findings, leading to conclusions and recommendations aimed at supporting gender diversity and promoting entrepreneurial growth. The report aims to address existing gender-based perceptions and encourage greater inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Gender diversity and the role
it plays in the development
of the entrepreneurial sector
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ABSTRACT
Consumer satisfaction is the primary responsibility of business organisations. There is no chance
of gender discrimination in preparation of strategies for attracting customers. But when
considering entrepreneurship, gender diversification exists since ages. As per the researches
conducted by GEM i.e. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, role of male and females in growth of
entrepreneurial sector is quite evident. The impact of gender diversity is quite vast and leaves a
deep imprint over every industrial sector. The prevalence of male dominance in the business
societies existed till the end of 20th century. However, female entrepreneurs increased and
emerged as competent slots for development in the complete organisational sector. There are
certain barriers experienced by female entrepreneurs which include economic, social, cultural,
etc. that had affected the participation in entrepreneurship. The urge for more employment
opportunities and innovative ideas has given significant platform for female entrepreneurs to
explore their talent and survive in this world of rigorous competition.
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of Study........................................................................................................1
1.2 Research aim....................................................................................................................2
1.3 Research Objectives.........................................................................................................2
1.4 Research Questions..........................................................................................................2
1.5 Rationale for research.......................................................................................................2
1.6 Focus and purpose............................................................................................................3
1.7 Framework and analysis...................................................................................................3
1.8 Dissertation structure........................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................5
2.2 Concept of male and female entrepreneurship.................................................................5
2.3 Barriers faced by female entrepreneurs............................................................................7
2.4 Role of male vs female entrepreneurship in development of entrepreneurial sector.......9
2.5 Different ways used by male to enter business when compared with female entrepreneurs
..............................................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..........................................................................12
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................12
3.2 Research philosophy.......................................................................................................12
3.3 Research design..............................................................................................................12
3.4 Research Approach.........................................................................................................13
3.5 Research Strategy...........................................................................................................13
3.6 Data collection method...................................................................................................14
3.7 Sampling.........................................................................................................................14
3.8 Data analysis...................................................................................................................15
3.9 Ethical consideration......................................................................................................15
3.10 Research limitations...............................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 4 : DATA ANALYSIS...............................................................................................17
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................17
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4.2 Discussion.......................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION....................................................31
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................31
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................32
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................34
QUESTIONNAIRE..............................................................................................................38
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research work would not have been completed without proper guidance of my mentor and
teachers. I hereby acknowledge my work by providing sincere thanks to my teachers, family and
friends who have supported me in every aspect to complete it with effectiveness. Furthermore,
they have helped me to not loose hope and patience especially during the days of data collection
and presentation. I am sincerely obliged to be under their guidance.
Name:
Signature:
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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
Ultimate aim of any firm is to gain maximum profit, this is only possible when they are able to
understand the taste and preference of customers. When improvement is made in the products
and services that are delivered by the firm, then it becomes favourable enough to attract more
and more customers ( Hoogendoorn, Oosterbeek and Van Praag, 2013). In this modern world,
workers are the face of an organization as they have direct interaction customers. They are the
one who presents the products and services. In this context, there are both male and females who
are considered to be equally important who put on their full efforts in order to reach out the goals
and objectives of the firm. There are the different set of issues that are faced in order to develop a
business. Further, there are conditions in which different individuals have the diverse set of skills
and capabilities. More specifically, male and female have their own set of skills and learning
perspective that contribute effectively towards the development or business. There are the certain
set of motivational factors that are considered by individuals. When these are not satisfied, then
it has the negative impact on the business (Richard, Kirby and Chadwick, 2013). Different
countries around the world have the diverse set of perception towards the culture that is being
followed and from the culture, they are able to develop their knowledge and skills. With different
culture, it includes a diverse type of perception over others. There are conditions in which people
think or the perception that some of the people have is that male employees are more capable
when compared with female workers. This is a type of negative perception that individuals and it
high affect the performance of employees in a negative manner. GEM (Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor) has conducted the different type of researches around the world in order to know the
growth in entrepreneurial ventures. More specifically, GEM has covered about 75% of the world
population. Present research is focused on Trinidad and Tobago which is in Caribbean and GEM
has conducted their research for this particular area since 2010. This research is focused on
understanding the concept of male and female entrepreneurship (Joecks, Pull and Vetter, 2013 ).
Further, it evaluates the role of male vs female entrepreneurship in a development of the
entrepreneurial sector. Further, it includes different ways used by the male to enter business
when compared with female entrepreneurs. Lastly, the different set of recommendation will be
made with the help of which proper support can be provided to entrepreneurial sector. In
accordance with the research done by GEM, it is identified that the rate of Total Entrepreneurial
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activity has reduced in the year 2014 when compared with 2013. Main reason identified for this
is due to declining in nascent entrepreneurial activity.
1.2 Research aim
Aim: To understand the impact of male vs female entrepreneurship and their role in the
development of the entrepreneurial sector: A study on Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean.
1.3 Research Objectives
Objectives:
 To determined concept of male and female entrepreneurship
 To evaluate the role of male vs female entrepreneurship in the development of the
entrepreneurial sector.
 To understand different ways used by a male to enter business when compared with
female entrepreneurs.
 To make recommendation effective way through which gender diversity can support
development in the entrepreneurial sector.
1.4 Research Questions
 What is the concept of male and female entrepreneurship?
 What is the role of male vs female entrepreneurship in the development of
entrepreneurial sector ?
 What are different ways used by the male to enter business when compared with female
entrepreneurs ?
1.5 Rationale for research
In accordance with the current dissertation, it will be focused on understanding the issues and
the positive impact that gender diversity has on the development of the entrepreneurial sector. In
the particular area that is being selected (Moog, Wernerand Backes-Gellner, 2015 ). There are
issuers that are faced by them, as stated, there are the different set of perception that individuals
have. More specifically, the rate of preferences that the local people at Trinidad and Tobago have
is not favourable as per the culture that is followed by them, women are not considered to be
performing any type of job for the organisation. Instead, they need to focus more on their house
old activities and are not allowed to get out to work and earn money.
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1.6 Focus and purpose
As per the dissertation, it can be stated that the main focus is will be on both male and female
workers. Different type of treatment is given for both these genders. With time there are many
changes that have taken place but preference is generally given to male employees (Richard,
Kirby and Chadwick, 2013 ). The area of study will enable to understand the type of
discrimination that takes place for the females in the workplace. Further, the main purpose of this
research will be to understand the impact of gender diversity and its role in developing
entrepreneurial sectors. There are many starts up firms that are being introduced in this particular
areas and the impact of gender diversity will be discussed.
1.7 Framework and analysis
In order to carry out the research in an effective manner, it is important to have proper
framework and analysis made so that effective decision can be made. In this context, below
given are the different steps that will be followed:
Research design: there are four different type of research design that can be used by the
investigator (Clarke and Fujimura, 2014 ). In this context, it includes case study, correlation,
exploratory and descriptive. Among all these research will make use of descriptive research
design.
Research philosophy: It enables to determine the strategy that will be adopted through
which data will be examined and collected. These are of two type which is interpretivism and
positivism. With this respect, positivism will be used by the investigator.
Research approach: These are of two type which is deductive and inductive approach.
All the research that is of quantitative in nature makes use of inductive research approach ( Gale,
Heath and Redwood, 2013). For quantitative research, the deductive approach is used. In the
current research, an investigator will make use of the inductive approach.
Data collection: There is two type of data collection methods, which are secondary and
primary. Both will be applied by the researcher, for collecting primary data, individuals will
make use of the questionnaire. On the other hand, for secondary information, books, journals,
articles, etc. will be used.
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Sampling: It is essential to select the appropriate population that will be helpful enough to
provide relevant information (Karlsson, 2016 ). More specifically, research will make use of
male entrepreneurs in Trinidad. In addition to this, the total sample size will be 20 employees.
Data analysis: As it is a qualitative research, an investigator will make use of thematic
analysis. It is a type of analysis, in which it includes tables, graphs, pie charts, etc.
1.8 Dissertation structure
The dissertation consists of various chapters which as discussed below: Chapter 1 - Introduction: Introduction is the first chapter of the dissertation that
constitutes an overview of the subject of the dissertation. It represents the basic layout of
the study to be conducted. Framework and outline of the study are prepared by it.
Introduction segment stars with providing the title of the research. It provides the brief
discussion about the study so that best outcomes can be formulated. It constitutes
description about the topics and subtopics to be covered in the study. It also links the
study of the selected region on which study is performed. Chapter 2 - Literature review: There are the different type of research that is being
conducted by diverse researchers on the similar topic. In this context, it is helpful enough
to make sure that the current research is being effectively analysed. This way the rate of
information and learning can be raised and this is a type of secondary source. Chapter 3 - Research Methodology: There are the different type of approaches, methods
and techniques that are being used by the research in order to present the data in an
effective manner. It enables to conduct the research in gathering information that is
relevant to the present research. Chapter 4 - Data analysis and findings: In this chapter, all the information that is
collected are proper evaluated and analysed. This is helpful enough to come up with an
appropriate outcome for the research. Thematics is being used for the same and this will
enable to make use of tables, graphs, etc.
 Chapter 5 - Conclusion and Recommendation: It consists of evaluation made for an
overall dissertation. Further, as per the findings made, the proper recommendation is
provided in order to overcome the issues.
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CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
There are the different type of research that is conducted by many other researchers on similar
topics. There are helpful enough to come up with an appropriate outcome for current research.
This chapter is a type of secondary data that is already being collected by some other person.
This data can be used to conduct the current research in an effective manner (Bruni, Gherardi
and Poggio, 2014 ). Earlier male was considered to be most effective individuals who were able
to conduct their business operations and so they mainly focused on developing their skills and
capabilities. On the other hand, females are considered to be getting married and looking for
their home. With time, there are many changes that have taken place and in this modern world,
the perception has changed in which women have started understanding their skills and they have
stated focusing more on entrepreneurship. In this chapter, different areas are covered and this is
helpful enough to get relevant information about the current research.
2.2 Concept of male and female entrepreneurship
According to Saridakis, Marlow and Storey, ( 2014) entrepreneurship can be determined
as the process in which individuals aim at understanding the opportunities that prevail in the
market and in develop innovations with the help of which new business is developed. As per the
past years, it is being identified that, female entrepreneurs have raised their preferences in order
to take up initiatives towards starting up business (Naguib and Jamali, 2015). More specifically,
there are about 40% of an increase in women who have started running the business in the past 5
years. Out of this 40%, there are about 70% who think that the rate of revenue will be high. As
per Ghani, Kerr and O'Connell, (2014) entrepreneurship can be determined as the key element
that enables to raise the economic condition of the country. In this context, every day
entrepreneurs contribute for the growth of an economy and create job opportunities, reduce
imports, increase exports, innovations, etc. there are the different type of issues that are faced in
each of the countries. For example, in India, entrepreneurs are helpful enough to reduce the rate
of poverty. Further, there are two different ways through which activities related to
entrepreneurship can be measured, one is through total employment and self-employment. The
second one is the examination of different levels starting from start-up to mature enterprise. In
this context, there are four different type of entrepreneurial businesses (Langevang, Gough and
Osei, 2015 ). With this respect, first one is Nascent enterprise. This is a type of business which
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was started last year. Another type of enterprise is Baby, it has started operated between 4 to 42
months. The enterprise that has happened to be operated in more than 42 months is known as
Established enterprise. As per the research conducted by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, it is
identified that the average early stage entrepreneur in Trinidad and Tobago is of the group from
35 to 44 and this is for both male and female. Further, the majority of the individuals at this
particular place have managed to finance their business personal saving. Moreover, they
understand the risk that is faced in getting help from financial areas.
There are different factors that have been identified which influence individuals to make the
decision for developing a new business. Below given are few of the reasons:
Creativity: Entrepreneurs are able to think out of the box and to come up with appropriate
products are services which support them to earn the huge profit (Marlow and McAdam, 2013).
They are able to understand the type of opportunities that prevail in the market and are also
always up to date so that changes in the environment can be determined and proper services can
be delivered.
Risk taker: There are the different set of a set that is faced by individuals but for all the
risk entrepreneurs are able to come up with an appropriate outcome for the same. Further, they
have that leadership skills that enable to influence other to get combined effort for the plans that
they have developed.
Around the globe, there are both male and female entrepreneurs who are successful
(Carland and Carland, 2015 ). There are some kinds of characteristics which are found both in
men and women entrepreneurs. On the other hand, there are also some characteristics that are
only found in male and only in females. Below given are some of the differences among male
and female entrepreneurs:
Decision making : When compared with both male and female entrepreneur, women take
up time and face difficulty in making decisions. On the other hand, male employees do not face
issues in order to make decisions, they are able to understand the situation and take proper
actions for the same.
Contribution to the economy : Economy of the country is highly benefited with the
efforts that are put by both male and female (Poggesi, Mari and De Vita, 2016). More
specifically, the main focus of male entrepreneurs is on economy and cost that is incurred for
their products and services. On the other hand, for females, the main focus on making the social
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contribution and deliver customers with high-quality services. Further, the rate of risk that taken
by the female is low, they aim at understanding the consequences and taking a decision that will
enable to reduce the rate of losses. However, male entrepreneurs take high risk in relation to
financial activities.
Relationship with employees: Male entrepreneurs are highly task oriented and they
understand the skills that individuals possess and accordingly work is divided (McKenzie and
Woodruff, 2014). On the other hand, female entrepreneurs aim at developing the strong
relationship with their employees and they understand the type of issues that are being faced by
them and accordingly steps are taken to over come them.
According to Henry, Foss and Ahl, ( 2016) there are the certain set of priorities that are
developed by individuals and both male and females and diverse set of priorities for the same.
When the set of goals that are developed are different, then the path determined will also differ.
2.3 Barriers faced by female entrepreneurs
GEM has conducted the survey in which they have asked questions from individuals
within an idea to tart their own business. As per the data which was collected from total 68
counties, it was identified that 76% of the individuals at Trindad and Tobago are confident to
start up their own business. This shows that the rate of opportunities and the confidence that
individuals have is high. There are the different type of problems that are faced by female
entrepreneurs. In this context, below given are some of them:
Financial problems: In order to operate any business, it requires one to have proper
financial support and it is generally identified that females suffer from the shortage of finance.
This type of issue arises as women do not have property in their name in order to make use of it
as collateral. This is generally used with an aim to get funds for the business ( Bruni, Gherardi
and Poggio, 2014). There are the different set of activities that need to be developed when
business is to be operated but due to this issue, female is not able to manage their activities in an
effective manner. In addition to this, banks do not consider females credit worthy and they do not
promote women borrowers. In such situation, it can be stated that females are bound to operate
their business based on their savings. Further, a research has identified that in which it stats that
people to Trindad and Tobago think that entrepreneurship is a good career that can be chosen.
Further, from the research conducted from 2011 to 2014 by GEM, it is identified that people are
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