Title: Entrepreneurial efficacy and orientation in Greece: exploring the gender gap

Authors: Alexandros Kakouris; Nikolaos Apostolopoulos; Zacharias Dermatis; Dimitrios Komninos; Panagiotis Liargovas

Addresses: Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship Laboratory, Department of Economics, University of Peloponnese, Tripolis Campus, 22100, Tripolis, Greece ' Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, Plymouth Business School, University of Plymouth, Mast House, 24 Sutton Road, Plymouth, PL4 0HJ, England ' Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship Laboratory, Department of Economics, University of Peloponnese, Tripolis Campus, 22100, Tripolis, Greece ' Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship Laboratory, Department of Economics, University of Peloponnese, Tripolis Campus, 22100, Tripolis, Greece ' Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship Laboratory, Department of Economics, University of Peloponnese, Tripolis Campus, 22100, Tripolis, Greece

Abstract: The aim of this article is to observe the expected 'gender gap' in entrepreneurship in Greece. Drawing upon entrepreneurial literature which has revealed certain differences between male and female entrepreneurs, or prospective entrepreneurs and the wide fostering of the entrepreneurial mindset through formal or informal educational settings during the last years, the survey seeks to examine persistent gender differences. The survey analysed responses to a questionnaire from local graduates and practitioners of a Greek region. The prevalence of male entrepreneurs, or nascent entrepreneurs, was verified along with the elimination of gender differences regarding self-confidence in entrepreneurial tasks as a result of educational interventions. Nonetheless, the expected higher need for independence than financial rewards for females was not verified, indicating a homogeneous entrepreneurial orientation between the genders. The study revealed gender differences in normative beliefs, competitiveness and entrepreneurial identity that could be attributed to the Greek culture. The latter characteristics are the most resistant to change through educational interventions compared with entrepreneurial self-efficacy and knowledge. The implications of the findings concern policies and educational interventions towards empowering female entrepreneurship.

Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation; gender; entrepreneurial self-efficacy; entrepreneurial intention; entrepreneurial identity; normative beliefs; entrepreneurship education; Greece.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2018.097206

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2018 Vol.8 No.3, pp.197 - 213

Received: 22 Jan 2018
Accepted: 04 May 2018
Published online: 03 Jan 2019 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article