Skip to main content
Log in

Women Entrepreneurs: A Comparison of International Small Business Owners in Poland and the Czech Republic

  • Published:
Journal of International Entrepreneurship Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs from two Central European countries with relatively new market economies were interviewed for this research. The authors describe the experiences and motivation of these women international business owners and compare them to the literature on women entrepreneurs in North America. Cross-culturally, women entrepreneurs share many of the same motivations for starting a business, and experience similar challenges to making their enterprises successful. North American models of entrepreneurship are also examined. The findings suggest a universal model for entrepreneurship. Suggestions for government policies are put forward. Managerial and theoretical implications are also presented and new directions for research on women entrepreneurs are suggested.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Access: Czech Republic Business Bulletin. 2002, Bethesda, September 16.

  • Access: Czech Republic Business Bulletin. 2002, Bethesda, October 7.

  • Access: Czech Republic Business Bulletin. 2003, Bethesda, September 19.

  • Acker, J. 1992, ‘Gendering Organizational Theory’, in A. Mills and P. Tancred (eds.), Getting Organizational Analysis, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arendarski, A., T. Mroczkowski, and J. Sood, 1994, ‘A Study of the Redevelopment of Private Enterprise in Poland: Conditions and Policies for Continuing Growth’, Journal of Small Business Management 32, 40-51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avolio, B.J., J.M. Howell, and J.J. Sosik, 1999, ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Bottom Line: Humor as a Moderator of Leadership Style Effects’, Academy of Management Journal 42 (2) 219-228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baba, V.V., B.L. Galperin, and T.R. Lituchy, 1998,'Work and Depression:AStudy of Nurses in the Caribbean International’, International Journal of Nursing Studies 36 (2), 163-169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birley, S., C. Moss, and P. Saunders, 1987, ‘Do Women Entrepreneurs Require Different Training?’ Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice 12 (1), 27-36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bliss, R.T. and N. Garratt, 2001, ‘Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Transition Economies’, Journal of Small Business Management 39 (4), 336-344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brush, C.G., 1992, ‘Research on Women Business Owners: Past Trends, A New Perspective and Future Directions’, Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice 16 (4), 5-30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buttner, E. 2001, ‘Examining Female Entrepreneurs Management Style: An Application of a Relational Frame’, Journal of Business Ethics 29 (3), 253-269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buttner, E. and D. Moore, 1997, ‘Women's Organizational exodus to Entrepreneurship: Self-Reported Motivations and Correlates with Success’, Journal of Small Business Management 35 (1), 34-47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buttner, E. and B. Rosen, 1988, ‘Bank Loan Officers' Perceptions of the Characteristics of Men, Women, and Successful Entrepreneurs’, Journal of Business Venturing 3 (3), 249-258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capowski, G.S., 1992, ‘Be your own Boss? Millions ofWomen Get Down to Business’, Management Review, 24-30.

  • Carlsson, B. and R. Mudambi, 2003, ‘Globalization, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy: A Systems View’, Industry and Innovation 10 (1), 103-116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaganti, R. and S. Parasuraman, 1996, ‘A Study of the Impacts of Gender on Business Performance and Management Patterns in Small Businesses’, Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice 21 (2), 73-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandler, S. and K. Murphy, 1994, ‘Women Entrepreneurs: They're Forming Small Business at Twice the Rate of Men’, Business Week (Special Report), April 18, 104-108, 110.

  • Cuba, R., D. Decenzo, and A. Anish, 1983, ‘Management Practices of Successful Female Business Owners’, American Journal of Small Business 8 (2), 40-5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dana, L.P., 1992, ‘A Look at Small Business in Austria’, Journal of Small Business Management, October, 126-130.

  • Davis, K., 1973, ‘The Case for and Against Business Assumption of Social Responsibilities’, Academy of Management Journal 16, 312-322.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeFillippi, R., 1995, ‘Small Business Development in the Czech Republic’, Review of Business Spring, 3-8.

  • Dickinson, P.G., 2000, ‘Transforming Economies of Eastern Europe: An Evaluation of the Role and Contribution of Small Scale Private Sector Firms (with specific reference to Poland)’, European Business Journal 12 (2), 84-99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Economist, 1996, (August 10) 340 (7978), 13.

  • Esters, S., 1997, ‘Conning Studies Female Entrepreneurs’, National Underwriter: Property and Casualty/risk and Benefits Management ed. 101, 47, 14-17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Euro-East, 2000, ‘Euro-East: Training for Enterprise in Transition Economies’, Euro-East, December 19, 2000, 1.

  • Fogel, G. and A. Zapalska, 2001, ‘A Comparison of Small and Medium-Size Enterprise Development in Central and Eastern Europe’, Comparative Economic Studies 43 (3), 35-69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forst, M., 1996, ‘Helping Small Business in Eastern Europe’, The OECD Observer 198, February/March, 51-55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Godfrey, J., 1995, ‘What is Good for Women is Good foe the Country’, Vital Speeches 61 (173), 538-542.

    Google Scholar 

  • Government of Canada, 2003, ‘The Prime Minister's Task Force on Women Entrepreneurs: Report and Recommendations’, Government of Canada. (http://www.liberal.parl.gc.ca/entrepreneurs) accessed October 30, 2003.

  • Graham, D. and L. Duncan, 1995, ‘Law's New Entrepreneurs’, ABA Journal 81, 54-60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grapard, Ulla, 1997, ‘Theoretical Issues of Gender in the Transition from Socialist Regimes’, Journal of Economic Issues 31 (3), 665-687.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunn, Bob, 2002, ‘Laughing Matters’, Strategic Finance 84 (4), 11-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hisrich, R.D. and C.G. Brush, 1983, ‘The Women Entrepreneur: Implications of Family, Education and Occupational Experience’, Frontiers in Entrepreneurs Research, Wellesley, MA: Babson College, 255-270.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hisrich, R.D. and C.G. Brush, 1986, ‘Characteristics of Minority Entrepreneurs’, Journal of Small Business Management 24 (4), 1-9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hisrich, R.D. and C.G. Brush, 1987, ‘Women Entrepreneurs: Alongitudinal study’, Frontiers in Entrepreneurs Research, Wellesley, MA: Babson College, 187-189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hisrich, R.D. and G. Fulop, 1994, ‘The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Hungary's Transition Economy’, International Studies of Management and Organization 24, 100-113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntington S.P., 1996, The Clash of Civilization and the Remaking of World Order, New York: Simon and Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • IBM and Women Business Owners of Canada, 1999, ‘Women Business Owners of Canada: Entering the New Millennium’, Centre for Women's Business Research, www.nfwbo.org. Accessed July 29, 2003.

  • Ibrahim, A.B., 1995, Family Business Management: Concepts and Practice. The Founder-The Entrepreneur. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim, A. B. and J.R. Goodwin, 1986, ‘Perceived Causes of Success in Small Business’, American Journal of Small Business 12, 11-25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ireland, R.D., M.A. Hitt, S.M. Camp, and D.L. Sexton, 2001, ‘Integrating Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management Actions to Create Firm Wealth’, Academy of Management Executive 15 (1), 49-60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivy, R., 1996, ‘Small Scale Entrepreneurs and Private Sector Development in the Slovak Republic’, Journal of Small Business Management, October, 77-83.

  • Kamberg, M.L., 2002, ‘Business Owners: Are You Getting Your Share of Investment Capital?’ Women in Business 54 (5) 28-30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, K., 2002, ‘Giving Women a Helping Hand’, Business Week Online 7/1/2002.

  • Kmetz, J., 1992, ‘Where is the Research from Central and Eastern Europe?’ in B. Dallag (ed.), Privatization and Entrepreneurship in Post-Socialist Countries: Economy, Law and Society. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, pp. 61-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knight, G., 2000, ‘Entrepreneurship and Marketing Strategy: The SME under Globalization’, Journal of International Marketing 8, 12-32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lituchy, T.R., P. Bryer, and M. Reavley, 2003, ‘Small Business in the CzechRepublic and Japan: Successes and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs’, in Etemad and Wright (eds.), Globalization and Entrepreneurship: Policy and Strategy Perspectives, Northampton, MA: Elgar Publishing, pp. 152-179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lituchy, T.R. and N. Kittireungcharn, 1998, ‘The Impact of Satisfaction and Commitment on Turnover Intentions: Thai Public Sector Engineers’, World Congress of Sociology Proceedings.

  • Lituchy, T.R., M. Reavley, and P. Bryer, 2002, ‘Women Entrepreneurs: An International Comparison’, in G. Libecap (ed.), Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth 14, JAI Press.

  • Matusiak, K.B., 2003, ‘Business Incubators in Poland’, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 3 (1.2), 87-89.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy, D.J., S. Puffer, and A. Naumov, 1997, ‘Case Study-Olga Kirova: A Russian Entrepreneur's Quality Leadership’, International Journal of Organizational Analysis 5 (3), 267-290.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClelland, D., 1987, ‘Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs’, The Journal of Creative Behavior 21, 219-233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. and A. Huberman, 1984, Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods, Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, D. P. and E.H. Buttner, 1997, Women Entrepreneurs: Moving Beyond the Glass Ceiling, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, S.L. and S. Goic, 2002, ‘Entrepreneurial Potential in Transition Economies: A View from Tomorrow's Leaders, Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship 21 (4), 399-414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, K. and S. Nollen, 1992, ‘Managerial Challenges During Organizational Re-Creation: Industrial Companies in the Czech Republic’, in B. Dallag (ed.), Privatization and Entrepreneurship in Post-Socialist Countries: Economy, Law and Society, New York: St. Martin's Press, pp. 115-140.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD, 1986, ‘Local Initiatives for Employment Creation’, Paris: OECD, 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pellegrino, E.T. and B.L. Reece, 1982, ‘Perceived Formative and Operational Problems Encountered by Female Entrepreneurs in Retail and Service Firms’, Journal of Small Business Management April, 15-24.

  • Reavley, M., T. Lituchy, and S. Walters, 2003, ‘Canadian Women in International Trade’, Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Conference on International Entrepreneurship: Crossing Boundaries and Researching New Frontiers University of Ulster, September.

  • Reed, J., 2001a, ‘Poland to Cut Red Tape in move to Boost Enterprise Development’, Financial Times Dec. 19, 8.

  • Reed, J., 2001b, ‘Survival of Poland's Fittest: Eastern Europe after a Decade of Growth’, Financial Times Nov. 9, 14.

  • Rosa, P., S. Hamilton, S. Carter, and H. Burns, 1994, ‘The Impact of Gender on Small Business Management: Preliminary Findings of a British Study’, International Small Business Journal 12 (3), 25-32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schein, V., R. Mueller, T. Lituchy, and J. Liu, 1996, ‘Think Manager-Think Male: A Global Phenomenon?’ Journal of Organizational Behavior 17, 33-41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, E.B., 1979, ‘Entrepreneurship:A New Female Frontier’, Journal of Contemporary Business, Winter, 47-76.

  • Stoner, C.R., R.I. Hartman, and R. Arora, 1990, ‘Work-Home Role Conflict in Female Owners of Small Businesses: An Exploratory Study’, Journal of Small Business Management 28 (1), 30-38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin, R., 1984, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zapalska, A., 1997, ‘Profiles of Polish Entrepreneurship’, Journal of Small Business Management, April, 111-117.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lituchy, T.R., Reavley, M.A. Women Entrepreneurs: A Comparison of International Small Business Owners in Poland and the Czech Republic. Journal of International Entrepreneurship 2, 61–87 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JIEN.0000026906.28190.df

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JIEN.0000026906.28190.df

Navigation