Network dynamic and growth of women owned firms in Eritrea
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Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the dynamics of networks along the business lifecycle and their impact on the growth of women-owned firms in Eritrea. The study is based on 372 women-owned firms from four regions in the country and seven case studies. For the quantitative data multiple regression analysis, logit regression, and paired samples t-test were used. For the qualitative data analysis pattern matching and cross-case analysis were used. This empirical study provided evidence that firms’ networks are not static, but instead must be viewed in terms of dynamic decision-making needs and processes. In the Eritrean context, the main networks are social networks predominantly homophilous with strong ties than organisational networks, throughout the lifecycle of the business. This might be mainly because of the socio-cultural and business environment of the firms. The study also provided evidence that both social and organisational networks contribute to the growth of women-owned firms. This study also shows how firms use their networks to acquire various resources at different stages of the business to enhance their growth. This study provided greater understanding of the dynamics of networks, as the objectives of firms change overtime and the literature was extended by providing empirical evidence that firms’ networks are evolutionary constructs which might depend on socio-cultural factors and the business context. The findings also reveal that the rate of dynamism of networks is context specific. The results support the feminist networking theories which posit that social structures affect the networking of women entrepreneurs. They also support the Resource Based View which posits that the internal capabilities of firms provide them with competitive advantage. The study ends by suggesting strategies for developing the networks of women entrepreneurs and, hence, their importance for policy makers, associations and the support system.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD6054.2.E74T42)
Keywords
Women-owned business enterprises, Social network, Small bisiness, Eritrea
Citation
Tedla, A. H. (2015).Network dynamic and growth of women owned firms in Eritrea, Doctoral dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.