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Female Start-Ups in Italy: A Relational Capital Perspective

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Gender Studies, Entrepreneurship and Human Capital (IPAZIA 2019)

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Abstract

Relational capital is a vital asset of the contemporary economy, and it refers to the sum of relations among organizations and their stakeholders to create value. Previous literature states that relational capital appears as a strategic asset, especially for start-ups run by women entrepreneurs. We aim to deepen the dynamics of relational capital in female entrepreneurship, especially start-ups, analyzing the Italian context during the years 2011–2012, known as the time of the financial crisis. Our study employs a mixed method technique assessing the result of a program devoted to start-uppers. We explore the concerns and achievements of entrepreneurs-to-be, deepening the analysis concerning women in business. Then, we examine in detail one single case study, applying a revised version of the CAOS model of micro-entrepreneurship developed by Paoloni (2011). Our chapter contributes to the current literature on relational capital when women in business are involved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom

    F. Dal Mas

  2. Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    P. Paoloni

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  1. F. Dal Mas
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  2. P. Paoloni
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Paola Paoloni

  2. Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Rosa Lombardi

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Dal Mas, F., Paoloni, P. (2020). Female Start-Ups in Italy: A Relational Capital Perspective. In: Paoloni, P., Lombardi, R. (eds) Gender Studies, Entrepreneurship and Human Capital. IPAZIA 2019. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46874-3_6

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