Women Entrepreneurs in a Developing Country: Evidences from Lebanon

Abstract

This research study seeks to present significant information about women entrepreneurship. Specifically, it reveals the hidden challenges and success stories of certain women entrepreneurs in a developing country. The aim is to connect the dots between entrepreneurship theory and real-life practice. Moreover, it intends to provide guidance to legislators, mentors, communities, and households in creating a supportive setting that is crucial for the success of women entrepreneurs. To gather information, a qualitative methodology approach was employed in Lebanon, a collectivist developing country in the Middle East known for its relatively low representation of women in entrepreneurship despite women accounting for almost half of the country's population. Through face-to-face interviews, the study aimed to uncover both the supportive and challenging aspects of their entrepreneurial journey. Based on the analysis of the interview transcripts, it was found that successful entrepreneurs in Lebanon are driven by opportunities and prioritize innovation, service and employment. Additionally, the support from family, particularly fathers or husbands, is crucial alongside the entrepreneur's drive, skills, and abilities. Success, for these entrepreneurs, means finding happiness, thriving at work, maintaining a happy family, achieving work-life balance, and feeling satisfied with the contribution to society while being economically independent. However, it is important to acknowledge that women in Lebanon face various societal and cultural challenges, including societal attitudes towards women working outside the home and traditional gender role expectations. On a positive note, societal attitudes are gradually changing, especially in cities, and women receive significant support and encouragement from their families to pursue their passions and become successful leaders. This research offers a fresh perspective on women entrepreneurs that adds valuable insights to the ongoing discussion about the lack of women in leadership positions, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship in a collectivist setting such as Lebanon.