Women and Student Entrepreneurship: Voices from Oman and India

Abstract

This ‘Critical overview’ presents a comprehensive examination of Women and Student Entrepreneurship (henceforth, WSE) and the perceptions of these within the contexts of Oman and India. The work draws on the findings of seven distinct research papers which constitute the portfolio of outputs submitted as part of this PhD by Publication. These studies collectively contribute valuable insights into various dimensions or themes of entrepreneurship, spanning across challenges faced by rural and cottage based women entrepreneurs in Oman, entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions among Omani university students, and perceptions of ethical behaviour in entrepreneurship and business management among students in both Oman and India. The literature on WSE has - with few exceptions (e.g., Gurel, Altinay, & Daniele, 2010) - prevalently drawn from the experience in the Western, developed world, and -to date - it has paid only limited attention to the specific WSE demands and challenges pertaining to emerging markets and developing countries. The three themes of the PhD research hereby presented, therefore, address this important gap in the literature by giving a voice to underrepresented WSE actors and experiences from the developing world. In so doing, the research makes an original and significant contribution to knowledge by aiding a better understanding of the dynamic and context specific nature of WSE in the developing and emerging economies of Oman and India. The three themes mentioned above underpin the research objectives of this doctoral research, as follows:1. Identify the challenges associated to rural women entrepreneurs in Oman. 2. Examine the role of gender and exposure on the entrepreneurial attitudes of Omani and Indian students.3. Examine the perceptions of university students towards ethical behaviour of entrepreneurs and business managers in India and Oman.The theme underlying the first research objective allows the researcher to investigate into the challenges encountered by women entrepreneurs in Oman, particularly those in rural and cottage-based settings. These entrepreneurs aspire to transcend traditional family roles, but they face several obstacles. Rural women entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding for their ventures, lack access to skills-based training, and specialised suppliers, and the high cost of raw materials. The research emphasises the need for tailored policies and support measures to empower these women to diversify household income and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. The theme underlying the second research objective focuses on the entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions of Indian and Omani university students. The findings reveal that gender and previous exposure to entrepreneurship play significant roles in shaping the entrepreneurial attitudes of the students. Male students tend to hold more favourable views of entrepreneurship, while prior experience with small businesses positively influences attitudes. Indian male students tend to score higher on entrepreneurial attitudes compared to their female counterparts, and the direct work experience with small businesses emerges as a significant factor associated with more positive entrepreneurial attitudes. The research underscores the potential for creating a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oman to foster the growth of young entrepreneurs and embed greater inclusivity and gender equality, thereby better contributing to the nation's socio-economic development. The theme associated with the third objective of the research allows for the exploration of perceptions of ethical behaviour in entrepreneurship and business management, contrasting the viewpoints of students in India and Oman. Notably, Omani students perceive entrepreneurs as more ethical decision-makers compared to business managers, aligning with similar perceptions among American students. However, American students generally exhibit stronger perceptions of ethical behaviour. Interestingly, the Indian sample in this research found no difference in perceptions regarding who is more ethical. These findings underscore the role of cultural and regional factors in shaping attitudes toward entrepreneurship and business management, highlighting the importance of context-specific approaches to entrepreneurship education and policy development.Overall, the doctoral research presented as part of this PhD submission makes a distinctive contribution thereby aiding our knowledge and understanding of WSE entrepreneurship and perceptions in Oman and India. The research uncovers the multifaceted challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Oman, sheds light on the entrepreneurial mindset of Indian and Omani university students and offers a comparative analysis of perceptions related to ethical behaviour in entrepreneurship and business management across different cultural contexts. These insights offer invaluable guidance for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders interested innurturing entrepreneurship in these regions. Tailored policies, targeted support, and context-specific approaches are essential to harness the entrepreneurial potential andcontribute to socio-economic development in Oman and India. This critical review contributes to the broader understanding of women and student entrepreneurship within diverse cultural and regional contexts and provides a foundation for further research and policy initiatives in this field.

Date of Award	Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Glauco De Vita (Supervisor) & Jason Begley (Supervisor)