An empirical investigation of women small business owners (Illawarra)

This is an exploratory study of the psychological and background characteristics of women small business owners and their managerial orientations/styles. Twenty nine women entrepreneurs in the Illawarra region were selected using the snow-ball sampling technique. Data for this research was collected by administering a structured questionnaire incorporating instruments from Williams (1975), Cohen (1974), Bern (1974) and Levenson (1973) to provide a basis for comparison. Significant findings were that internal and powerful others locus of control are associated with perceived success, and that highly educated women entrepreneurs have a desire for growth. Previous research linking achievement motivation and success was not confirmed. This suggests potential for further research linking the management styles of women small business owners and appropriate psychological characteristics.