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Female business owners in industries traditionally dominated by males

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Abstract

This study examined selected demographics, personality traits, and job-related characteristics of females and males operating small businesses in traditionally male-dominated industries. Of the 56 participating businesses owners, all but 2 were Caucasian. Organizational characteristics were also observed. Significant gender differences were found in marital status, industry experience, age of firms, number of females hired, and effectiveness of communication scores.

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This study was funded by a grant from the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation. A similar version of this paper was presented at the Southern Management Association Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1991 and was published in the conference proceedings.

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Smith, P.L., Smits, S.J. & Hoy, F. Female business owners in industries traditionally dominated by males. Sex Roles 26, 485–496 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289870

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