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Ethnic female business owners: more female or more ethnic entrepreneurs?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Panagiotis Piperopoulos

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Abstract

Purpose The primary objective of this study is to attempt to answer the question, even with a limited sample of interviewees, if ethnic female entrepreneurs are behaving more as ‘female’ or more as ‘ethnic’ entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents empirical data from a face-to-face interview type research conducted in the regions of Attica and Central Macedonia, Greece. The study involved conducting face-to-face interviews with 15 founders of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs), between May and June 2009. Findings The results suggest that ethnic female entrepreneurs may share some common characteristics with their ethnic male entrepreneurial colleagues but ethnic women’s unique qualities, characteristics, motivations, background and business views distinguishes them from their male ethnic counterparts bringing forth more their femininity rather than their ethnicity. Originality/value This paper presents the results of the first-ever research on ethnic female entrepreneurs in Greece. It examines the influences and the factors that facilitate ethnic female entrepreneurs’ decision to become self-employed and their experiences of entrepreneurship. It discerns in which economic sectors they develop occupational niches and investigates how strong is family participation and support in their businesses. Last but not least this research brings forth the balance between domestic and business responsibilities and how much support from governmental initiatives, policies and training programs do they receive.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Piperopoulos P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

Year: 2012

Volume: 19

Issue: 2

Pages: 192-208

Date deposited: 21/03/2011

ISSN (print): 1462-6004

ISSN (electronic): 1758-7840

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14626001211223856

DOI: 10.1108/14626001211223856


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