In pursuit of growth: an insight into the experience of female entrepreneurs

Purpose - Although the climate for entrepreneurship in Ireland is positive, with female entrepreneurs making significant economic contributions, a significant weakness of female-owned businesses remaining small is continuously reported. Achieving growth is central to how a business is run and should be viewed from a business-owner perspective rather than a scholarly perspective, whereby the concept of growth is portrayed so frequently in a fragmented manner. Moreover, academic research on entrepreneurial firm growth has centred on growth from a non-gender specific perspective. The purpose of this paper is to investigate, in a meaningful, practical and relevant manner, the process of growth (i.e. defining growth, growth intention, objectives, planning, and strategy) and the measurement of growth in female-owned businesses. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative research method has been adopted, i.e. an online survey, to investigate all critical issues pertaining to growth amongst female entrepreneurs operating a business for more than five years. Findings - Based on the findings of the study, results indicate the process of growth in female-owned businesses differs from that which is frequently reported. Differences exist between characteristics of female entrepreneurs, which in turn impacts not only how they run their business but more importantly how they pursue growth. Furthermore, research demonstrates significant differences in female-owned businesses with regard to all facets that encompass growth - definition, intention, objectives, planning, strategies employed and the measurement of growth applied. Originality/value - The paper seeks to fill the gap of limited information pertaining to the profile of growth-oriented female entrepreneurs from a practical approach. The findings and suggestions for further research will serve to progress research still in its infancy, not only in Ireland but on an international scale, thus being of critical importance to academia, government support agencies, practitioners, policy makers and female entrepreneurs alike in developing relevant and practical supports to assist in promoting growth-oriented businesses.