Women entrepreneurship in developing countries: A European example

Abstract

This research investigates women small business entrepreneurship in Albania. The purpose is to provide contextual information to potential future (women) entrepreneurs about how to get into business and overcome challenges. The 11 interviewed Albanian women entrepreneurs explain how they survive a difficult patriarchal society. Contemporary developments in Albania are explained and a comparison is made of recent entrepreneurship research. The results of the research show seven themes: (1) strong relationship between previous experiences and the decision to become self-employed, (2) influence of educational and family background on women’s motivation and career development, (3) gender issues relating to start-up and operating of businesses, (4) major impact of gender on financial related issues, (5) differences in creating networks between men and women, (6) perceived negative career influence because of being women, and (7) similarities with the contextual characteristics of successful Dutch entrepreneurs as found in recent research (Gehrels 2012). Overall conclusion: Albania is developing but still has challenging conditions for women small business entrepreneurs. Further research is suggested in other developing countries.

Keywords: women entrepreneurship, small businesses, Albania, gender challenges