Title: Gender differences in exogenous entrepreneurial motivation factors in the context of the post-2008 US recession business environment

Authors: Paul P. Daulerio Jr.

Addresses: Lubin School of Business, Pace University, 33 November Trail, Weston, CT, 06883, USA

Abstract: In the last decade, growth in female-owned entrepreneurial ventures in the USA has accelerated. Despite this, there is sparse research that examines whether exogenous entrepreneurial motivations of females are materially different from those of males. This paper adds to the extant literature by examining this topic in the context of the post-2008 US economic recession. Specifically, this paper examines the motivation factors of: 1) work and family balance flexibility; 2) lack of corporate opportunities; 3) career aspirations. Findings suggest that these exogenous motivation factors are stronger motivators for female entrepreneurs than for male entrepreneurs.

Keywords: entrepreneurial motivation; exogenous motivation; work balance; corporate opportunities; career aspirations; US recession; male entrepreneurs; small business; small firms; job creation; entrepreneurial venture importance; women entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial ventures; female entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship; gender differences; USA; United States; work-life balance; work flexibility; family balance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2016.073975

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2016 Vol.27 No.2/3, pp.149 - 168

Received: 29 Nov 2014
Accepted: 02 Jan 2015
Published online: 31 Dec 2015 *

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