Social Entrepreneurial Traits and Performance of Women in SMEs, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

No Thumbnail Available

Date

2024-12

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Lead City University, Ibadan

Abstract

Women-owned businesses often face challenges of accessing markets due to limited access to business networks and the prevalence of gender stereotypes that portray women as incapable of running successful businesses. In light of this, the relationship between social entrepreneurial traits and the performance of women-owned SMEs in Nigeria was examined. Specifically the effect of entrepreneurial innovativeness on performance (profitability) of SMEs run by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State; the role of entrepreneurial risk-taking abilities on performance (profitability) of SMEs run by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State; the effect of entrepreneurial innovativeness on performance (customer satisfaction) of SMEs owned by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State; the effect of networking on performance (customer satisfaction) of SMEs run by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State were all determined. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The study employed frequency percentage inferential statistics to analyse the instrument of the study. This study reviewed that there was positive significant relationship between entrepreneurial risk-taking and revenue of SMEs run by Women in Oyo State (r = 0.341, n= 297, p <.05). A positive significant relationship between entrepreneurial networking and customers’ satisfaction of SMEs run by Women in Oyo State (r = 0.346, n= 297, p <.05) was revealed; furthermore, a positive significant relationship between social networking and customers’ satisfaction of SMEs run by Women in Oyo State (r = 0.233, n= 297, p <.05). The study identifies challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited technology use, insufficient skills development, cautious risk-taking, poor customer service, and lack of collaboration. These issues lead to business failures, declining profitability, and reduced customer retention. Entrepreneurs often avoid high-risk ventures without conducting proper assessments. The study recommends adopting technology, enhancing skills through seminars, training employees in customer management, encouraging risk assessment, and fostering partnerships. Key Words: Entrepreneurial, Innovativeness Profitability, SMEs, Women Entrepreneur, Risk taking Social networking, Customers’ Satisfaction Word Count: 299

Description

Keywords

Entrepreneurial, Innovativeness Profitability, SMEs, Women Entrepreneur, Risk taking Social networking, Customers’ Satisfaction

Citation

Kate Turabia