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A synthesis of systematic literature on women entrepreneurship in developing countries

Author

Listed:
  • Hyder Kamran

    (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Campus
    University of Buraimi)

  • Aryaty Binti Alwie

    (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Campus)

  • Sharon Ong Yong Yee

    (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Campus)

Abstract

Purpose Research on women entrepreneurship (WE) in developing countries is one of the emerging fields of study and has gained the attention of the researchers globally. There are several systematic literature reviews (SLR) published on the vary subject, but there is not enough literature focusing on the review of published SLRs. By using the mixed embeddedness approach (MEA) the primary objective of the existing systematic review is to synthesize the published SLRs on WE in developing countries for their contents, focus, theoretical premise, key coverage, and future directions. Methods This study uses Scopus and Web of Science databases to find the SLR studies on WE in developing countries published during 2014 to 2024. Altogether nineteen articles were found suitable and synthesized. The thematic literature review approach was used for synthesis purposes. Results The researchers used quantitative synthesis and a qualitative thematic approach to draw the results. The results of the research are multi-perspective covering the publication details (year, journals, citations, SLR type, geographical coverage, number of articles reviewed, and special focus of SLRs), and theoretical premise, key themes of SLRs, and future directions. The major themes identified are: factors influencing WE performance in developing countries, barriers and challenges of WE in developing countries, themes/trends of WE literature in developing countries, and future directions. Novelty/contribution Synthesizing SLRs is an under-investigated area of research, which is the basic premise of this study. Furthermore, the study also highlights the prevailing theoretical, methodological, and research perspectives in WE literature along with the future research perspectives both for SLRs and empirical researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyder Kamran & Aryaty Binti Alwie & Sharon Ong Yong Yee, 2025. "A synthesis of systematic literature on women entrepreneurship in developing countries," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jglont:v:15:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s40497-025-00426-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s40497-025-00426-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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