Feminist attributes and entrepreneurial identity

Bibliographic Data

ID12920935
AuthorsBrenda Orser (0000-0001-7434-6141, University of Ottawa, corresponding author), Catherine Elliott (0000-0003-0261-2281, University of Ottawa), Joanne Leck (0000-0001-5462-4036, University of Ottawa)
Year2011
Volume26
Issue8
Pages561-589
Publication date2011-11-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGender in Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1754-2413 • E-ISSN: 1754-2421
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/17542411111183884
OpenAlexW2039504728
LanguageEN
Citations received19
References cited62

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how feminist attributes are expressed within entrepreneurial identity. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a purposive sampling technique to recruit 15 self‐identified “feminist entrepreneurs”. This included retailers, manufacturers, exploration operators, consultants, and professionals. Qualitative data were subject to content analysis. Findings Contrary to a feminine archetype portrayed as caring and nurturing, respondents do not describe themselves as typically portrayed in the feminist literature. Prevalent themes included participative leadership, action‐oriented, and creative thinker/or problem solver. Research limitations/implications Researchers should use caution in assuming feminist discourse has direct application to characterizing or stereotyping “feminist” entrepreneurs. The applicability and reliability of “off the shelf” psychometrics to describe contemporary gender roles across the myriads of processes associated with venture creation must also be questioned. Limitations: the purposive and small‐sample limits the generalizability of findings to the diverse community of female entrepreneurs. Testing of the applicability, validity, and reliability of the nomenclature used to describe self‐identity is warranted across international samples of feminist entrepreneurs. Practical implications The current study provides an inventory of feminist entrepreneurs' self‐described leadership attributes. The nomenclature can be used by women‐focused trainers to help clients to recognize their entrepreneurial attributes. Social implications The study may assist women in recognizing identity synergies and conflicts (e.g. within themselves and among family, employees, clients, etc.). Originality/value This is the first study that documents feminist entrepreneurs' leadership attributes. As such, the work is a step in seeking to reconcile feminist theory and entrepreneurial practice

Archetype · Generalizability theory · Identity (music · Nonprobability sampling · Originality · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Computer Science · Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences · Family Business Performance and Succession · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Psychology · Social Psychology

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