Abstract:
Ghanaian women entrepreneurs operating small businesses play a significant
role in fostering economic growth and development due to their possession of
Entrepreneurial Orientation Dimensions (EODs). Notwithstanding the
importance of this area, current conceptualizations of EODs do not adequately
consider the association between EODs and business performance of women
entrepreneurs. The objective of this research was to .examine the EODs and
business performance of women entrepreneurs in three Ghanaian cities
(Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi) using Lumpkin and Dess (1996) five EODs
model.Questionnaires, interviews and observation were used to collect data
from 286 women entrepreneurs from these three cities. Data were analysed
with thematic analysis and chi-square test. Four of the five EODs were
perceived to be important for business performance. Additionally, ethical
orientation was also found to be important for business performance of
women entrepreneurs. Marital status, number of children, age and size of
business as well as religious beliefs were factors that inform EODs of women
entrepreneurs. The study recommended that the realities of women
entrepreneurs should be incorporated at the formulation stage of all
entrepreneurial related policies. To promote women entrepreneurship,
entrepreneurial education should include visits of student to offices of
successful women entrepreneurs. Finally, women entrepreneurs’ owning and
operating small businesses should incorporate ethical issues into their
entrepreneurial activities.
