A MODEL OF THE PROCESS OF WOMENS ENTRY INTO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: A STUDY AMONG MALAY BUSINESSWOMEN IN MALAYSIA

ABSTRACT
Women from western and develop countries entering business ownership is increasing in numbers and more women in Asia, particularly in Malaysia are also becoming self-employed despite many tangible and intangible obstacles. In face of these barriers, they demonstrate a strong determination to succeed. Hence this paper will attempt to present a theoretical model of the economic and social factors associated with Malay businesswomen in the rural environment. Insight into the influences of socioeconomic factors on entrepreneurship is based on a study of 31 Malay rural businesswomen from the District of Pendang, Kedah. This study has shown that a combination of individual needs and experience are not the only reasons why women start their own business ventures. In each case, other event and external factors have catapulted the women into business ownership. Hence this paper has set out theoretical and methodological implications which have added to our knowledge about the theory of the origins of entrepreneurship among rural businesswomen.

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Paper presented at the 12th International Conference of the Society for Global Business and Economic Development, Singapore, 21-23rd July 2011