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Hegemonic Conceptualizations of Empowerment in Entrepreneurship and Their Suitability for Collective Contexts

Author

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  • Bronwyn P. Wood

    (Department of Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, College of Business & Economics, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates)

  • Poh Yen Ng

    (Christ Church Business School, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK)

  • Bettina Lynda Bastian

    (USEK Business School, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh 446, Lebanon)

Abstract

The relationship between empowerment and entrepreneurship in collective societies is, in our view, insufficiently examined. Accepted definitions of empowerment and the assumptions underlying programs and research designs based on them result in outcomes that self-fulfil and, as a result, disappoint. Several issues are prevalent: the empowerment potential of programs is overestimated and the dominant view of what constitutes an ‘empowered self’ does not go deep enough to explore, and reframe, the self and its relationship to agency—two issues at the core of empowerment definitions and formulations. In this conceptual article, we examine the entrepreneurship and empowerment literature to suggest ways forward for the future health and relevance of the subject area. We highlight a serious methodological and perceptual issue within the literature, which offers many opportunities for theory development in the field.

Suggested Citation

  • Bronwyn P. Wood & Poh Yen Ng & Bettina Lynda Bastian, 2021. "Hegemonic Conceptualizations of Empowerment in Entrepreneurship and Their Suitability for Collective Contexts," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:11:y:2021:i:1:p:28-:d:513209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jim Secka & Joanna Wisniewska & Katarzyna Szopik-Depczynska, 2023. "Women in Business-Prospects of SMEs in Gambia," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 121-131.
    2. Murale Venugopalan & Bettina Lynda Bastian & P. K. Viswanathan, 2021. "The Role of Multi-Actor Engagement for Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in Kerala, India," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, March.
    3. Arien Arianti Gunawan & Jose Bloemer & Allard C. R. van Riel & Caroline Essers, 2022. "Institutional Barriers and Facilitators of Sustainability for Indonesian Batik SMEs: A Policy Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-25, July.
    4. Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed & Bettina Lynda Bastian & Bronwyn P. Wood, 2022. "Women, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability: The Case of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Ghenwa Al Hakim & Bettina Lynda Bastian & Poh Yen Ng & Bronwyn P. Wood, 2022. "Women’s Empowerment as an Outcome of NGO Projects: Is the Current Approach Sustainable?," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-23, May.
    6. Claire P. Street & Poh Yen Ng & Haya Al-Dajani, 2022. "Refugee Women Business Mentors: New Evidence for Women’s Empowerment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-21, July.
    7. Eugenie Samier & Eman ElKaleh, 2021. "Towards a Model of Muslim Women’s Management Empowerment: Philosophical and Historical Evidence and Critical Approaches," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-24, April.

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