The mixed embeddedness of female entrepreneurship across countries: A configurational approach

Abstract

The study of female entrepreneurship (FE) unfolds as an intricate puzzle woven by a myriad of contextual factors that shape necessity (NBFE) and opportunity-based (OBFE) female entrepreneurship. Motivated by the urgency to decipher this complexity, this research delves into the nuanced dimensions of FE across countries. Utilizing a mixed embeddedness perspective, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the family, market, and institutional contexts that exert influence on FE. Leveraging data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor the Gender, Institutions, and Development Database, and the World Development Indicators Database, we employ fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the configurational impact of multiple embeddedness on NBFE and OBFE across 50 countries. The results spotlight divergent configurations for enabling and constraining NBFE and OBFE, contributing to the FE literature by emphasizing the need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach in policy formulation. Our findings advocate for adopting targeted measures tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different groups of female entrepreneurs.