Motivational Patterns and the Performance of Entrepreneurs: An Empirical Study of Women Entrepreneurs in South-West Nigeria

Over the years many research works have examined the motivation of women into entrepreneurship. Evidence has shown that several factors have been responsible for women’s involvement in entrepreneurship. These factors have multiple effects on the enterprise, irrespective of its ownership and control. Therefore, the main thrust of this paper is to examine different dimensions of motivation and their relationship with the performance of women entrepreneurs in South-West Nigeria. Both primary and secondary sources were used in gathering the data required for this paper. The instrument of questionnaire was used in conducting this research. The models of correlation coefficient and chi-square were used in analyzing the questionnaire collected from the respondents. The results show that there is positive relationship between motivational factors and the performance of women entrepreneurs in South-West Nigeria. Among other things, it was recommended that irrespective of the factor(s) that motivate women entrepreneurs into business, there is need for them to go for training and other capacity building programme so as to be equipped with the required skills for running their businesses.