Date of Award
Spring 2012
Degree Type
Professional Project - Restricted
Degree Name
Masters in Leadership Studies
Department
College of Professional Studies
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study is to gather information about why women become entrepreneurs, leadership qualities of successful women entrepreneurs, and the challenges women entrepreneurs face. Historically, women have had difficulty climbing the corporate ladder, balancing work with family responsibilities, and receiving top level compensation. They choose to become business owners even though they encounter multiple challenges throughout their entrepreneurial endeavors. Eight women business owners between the ages of 32 and 61 were asked ten questions regarding their experience with entrepreneurship. Responses were transcribed and the information was analyzed for similarities and differences. The findings of this study mirrored a large portion of the literature examined. Participants attribute their success as entrepreneurs to motivators such as flexibility, compensation, challenge, and autonomy. The information from this study substantiates other research about women entrepreneurs regarding their reasons for becoming entrepreneurs, their leadership qualities, and the challenges they encounter. These findings provide current information to women who have the desire to become entrepreneurs.