Female entrepreneurship: investigating peripheral tourism SMEs in NI, ROI and NZ

Abstract

This thesis explores female entrepreneurship within peripheral tourism SMEs in NI, ROI and NZ. The research specifically focuses on the characteristics of the female entrepreneur, their motivating factors, barriers encountered and coping mechanisms employed. Female entrepreneurship is a relatively recent research phenomenon, and is regarded as one of the most significant, yet quietest, revolutions of our time. Female-owned tourism SMEs have the potential to contribute social and economic outcomes to peripheral communities in which they are located by offering sustainable solutions to economic and social challenges in terms of providing employment and service; purchasing goods and services from local suppliers and trades at community level; attracting inward investment from those persons seeking a lifestyle change; and adding value to the community as a whole. As a single industry study, the tourism industry has been deliberately selected as an illustrative context for this research due to the low degree of entrepreneurial behaviour that it has traditionally exhibited.

Theoretically, underpinning this study is a combination of both traditional teleological (RBV/KBV) entrepreneurial approaches, and emerging pragmatic models of entrepreneurship (effectuation and bricolage). This research appreciates the importance of counterbalancing relationships between ‘traditional’ and ‘emerging’ theories.

Methodologically, a three-phase, multi-stage and multi-method approach is adopted. An initial exploratory qualitative stage consisted of formulating an online database and shallow case instrument (Phase One). Qualitative exploration is conducted through email/telephone follow-up constructs utilising the shallow case instrument (Phase Two). Further explanations of pertinent themes are provided through in-depth interviews (Phase Three).

Through confirmation, disconfirmation and extension of knowledge, the research makes a number of pertinent theoretical contributions to the areas of RBV/KBV, effectuation, bricolage, female entrepreneurship and to the context of peripheral tourism SMEs. A number of practical recommendations are forwarded for the interest of key stakeholders (i.e. government and SME providers). Future studies may consider extending their scope to include other regions and employ a longitudinal approach in their research.

Date of Award	Oct 2015
Original language	English