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How Do Women Entrepreneurs Define Success? A Qualitative Study of Differences Among Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia

Author

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  • Atsede Tesfaye Hailemariam

    (Tilburg University, The Netherlands and Addis Ababa University – School of Commerce, Ethiopia)

  • Brigitte Kroon

    (Tilburg University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This paper describes how women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia define success in their own terms. Semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 women entrepreneurs from various sectors in Addis Ababa. The interview formats allowed the women to tell their life history and define success in their own terms. A common stereotype is that women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia operate businesses out of necessity and therefore women measure success in terms of financial rewards than personal rewards. Despite this stereotype, the findings of this study show that differences in definition of success exist among group of women entrepreneurs. Differences are in background characteristics, socialization experiences, learning experiences and reasons for starting business. The results of the study show women entrepreneurs define their success in various ways including, financial gains, growth, personal fulfillment, helping others, social contribution among others play a role here. Further, based on the findings an attempt has been made to identify different groups of women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia suggesting women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia are not a homogeneous group.

Suggested Citation

  • Atsede Tesfaye Hailemariam & Brigitte Kroon, 2014. "How Do Women Entrepreneurs Define Success? A Qualitative Study of Differences Among Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia," Working Papers 2014/09, Maastricht School of Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:msm:wpaper:2014/09
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    File URL: http://web2.msm.nl/RePEc/msm/wpaper/MSM-WP2014-09.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Daphne Halkias & Chinedum Nwajiuba & Nicholas Harkiolakis & Sylva M. Caracatsanis, 2011. "Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Nigeria," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 34(2), pages 221-235, January.
    5. Atsede Woldie & Adebimpe Adersua, 2004. "Female entrepreneurs in a transitional economy: Businesswomen in Nigeria," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 31(1/2), pages 78-93, January.
    6. Susan Marlow & Dean Patton, 2005. "All Credit to Men? Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Gender," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 29(6), pages 717-735, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hundera, Mulu, 2019. "Role conflict, coping strategies and female entrepreneurial success in sub-Saharan Africa," Other publications TiSEM 3e263b0c-3bf3-474a-8a20-b, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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