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Leadership and Entrepreneurial Choices: Understanding the Motivational Dynamics of Women Entrepreneurs in Iran

Author

Listed:
  • Marcus Goncalves

    (Department of Administrative Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA)

  • Sadaf Sartipi

    (Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, 16th Azar St., Enghelab Sq., Tehran 14155, Iran)

  • Ghazale Asadi Damavandi

    (Department of Administrative Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA)

Abstract

This study explores the motivations and constraints of Iranian women entrepreneurs within a restrictive socioeconomic and cultural landscape. It adopts a qualitative approach and utilizes semi-structured interviews to investigate the complex interplay between financial limitations, gender biases, and regulatory challenges entrepreneurs face. These findings underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity for entrepreneurial success. Women entrepreneurs in Iran adopt incremental growth strategies, utilize digital platforms for market access, and cultivate informal networks to manage risks and scale their ventures. They also creatively integrate family responsibilities into their business models, highlighting the cultural shaping of their entrepreneurial activities. The concept of regulatory adaptation was introduced to illustrate how entrepreneurs restructure their operations to comply with stringent government regulations while sustaining growth. The emotional burden of navigating these hurdles is also evident, emphasizing the need for support mechanisms that address mental health and well-being. Policy implications are discussed, and enhancements in financial access, gender equality, digital entrepreneurship, and mental health support for women entrepreneurs are recommended. This study contributes to the entrepreneurship theory by understanding how sociocultural contexts influence women’s entrepreneurial activities and resilience strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcus Goncalves & Sadaf Sartipi & Ghazale Asadi Damavandi, 2025. "Leadership and Entrepreneurial Choices: Understanding the Motivational Dynamics of Women Entrepreneurs in Iran," Merits, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-34, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmerit:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:1-:d:1563077
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nair, Suja R., 2020. "The link between women entrepreneurship, innovation and stakeholder engagement: A review," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 283-290.
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    3. Daniela Gimenez-Jimenez & Linda F. Edelman & Alexandra Dawson & Andrea Calabrò, 2022. "Women entrepreneurs’ progress in the venturing process: the impact of risk aversion and culture," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 1091-1111, February.
    4. Baoping Shang, 2022. "Tackling Gender Inequality: Definitions, Trends, and Policy Designs," IMF Working Papers 2022/232, International Monetary Fund.
    5. Siamak Seyfi & Albert Nsom Kimbu & Masoomeh Tavangar & Tan Vo-Thanh & Mustafeed Zaman, 2025. "Surviving Crisis: Building Tourism Entrepreneurial Resilience as a Woman in a Sanctions-Ravaged Destination," Post-Print hal-04846581, HAL.
    6. Aidin Salamzadeh & Léo-Paul Dana & Javad Ghaffari Feyzabadi & Morteza Hadizadeh & Haleh Eslahi Fatmesari, 2024. "Digital Technology as a Disentangling Force for Women Entrepreneurs," World, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-19, May.
    7. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "Glaserian Grounded Theory and Straussian Grounded Theory: Two Standard Qualitative Research Approaches in Social Science," MPRA Paper 117017, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 20 Feb 2023.
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    1. Marcus Goncalves & Esteban De La Vega Ahumada, 2025. "A Bibliometric Analysis of Women Entrepreneurship: Current Trends and Challenges," Merits, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-32, April.

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