Assessment of Gender Differences Characteristic of the Main Stages of Entrepreneurial Activity

The article is devoted to the actual problem of the existing differences in the entrepreneurial activity of women and men. The aim of the study is to assess the current levels of participation of women and men in business activities in modern national economies. The study solved the problems of determining the values of indicators that characterize the initial stage of entrepreneurship, stabile entrepreneurship, as well as the exit of entrepreneurs from their businesses. As a starting point, the study used the results of surveys conducted in 59 countries during the implementation of the Global entrepreneurship monitoring project. In the course of the work, the assessment of nine indicators characterizing such stages as start- up and stabile entrepreneurship, as well as the termination of this activity, was considered. The study developed functions that show the distribution of indicators across 59 countries that describe the proportion of women and men in the three main stages of entrepreneurship. In addition, gender differences in these three stages were assessed. The results showed that in most countries there is a gender gap between the indicators of entrepreneurial activity, that is, women participate in it to a lesser extent than men. Comparing the values of indicators for Russia and foreign countries showed that both women and men in our country are less interested in an entrepreneurial career in contrast to other countries. The results obtained are new and original. They have theoretical and practical implications for governments and entrepreneurs. The methodological approach to assessing gender differences in entrepreneurship presented in the article can be used in further research. The new knowledge gained is of interest and can be used in the educational process at universities.