Exploring gender-based disparities in the digital transformation and sustainable development of SMEs in V4 countries

Abstract

This study explores gender differences in entrepreneurs’ perceptions of the impact of digitalization on the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Visegrád group countries (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Poland, and Hungary). Data were collected from 1,398 SME owners or top managers using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) research method. The results reveal significant differences in how male and female entrepreneurs perceive sustainable business growth from social, economic, and environmental perspectives. Male entrepreneurs consider the social impact of entrepreneurship to be more important compared to female entrepreneurs. A firm's digitalization level is the most important factor in determining the understanding of sustainable business growth for both genders. However, female entrepreneurs do not consider a firm's perception of customers and knowledge from new sources using digitalization to have a significant effect. Customers’ perception of the firm using digitalization is the most crucial indicator for male entrepreneurs regarding sustainable growth as a construct that determines the social system and environmental aspects. Conversely, female entrepreneurs consider knowledge from new sources using digitalization and risk mitigation as the most important indicators. These findings contribute to a comprehensive knowledge of the gendered implications of digital transformation and provide valuable inputs for policies and practitioners aiming to strengthen the inclusive character of the digital economy in SMEs.