Abstract
Women entrepreneurs demonstrate multifaceted and dynamic behaviour, leveraging strategic approaches, support systems, innovation and sustainability to drive significant progress across industries, fostering economic and social development. Understanding the intrinsic and acquired traits that propel women towards entrepreneurship is pivotal in grasping its essence. Their demographic and socio-economic profiles profoundly shape their entrepreneurial behaviour and level of engagement in business management. The study aims to analyse the relationship between various factors influencing women entrepreneurs’ business involvement and their demographic and socio-economic profiles. These factors include motivation, business initiation, management, decision-making, time allocation, satisfaction, training, work-life balance, memberships and future plans. Data were collected via structured questionnaires from 204 women entrepreneurs registered with DICs in Punjab following the MSMED Act, 2006. Hypothesis has been set to analyse the impact of demographic and socio-economic variables on entrepreneurial behaviour by examining their association with the factors that influence entrepreneurial involvement. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was employed to test hypotheses, revealing significant associations between most factors influencing entrepreneurial involvement and demographic and socio-economic variables among women entrepreneurs in Punjab’s MSME sector. Specifically, young women entrepreneurs with over three years of experience, from non-business backgrounds, belonging to middle-class families and not solely dependent on their business for family financial needs exhibit high motivation and initiative in starting and managing their businesses independently. They actively participate in major decision-making processes, dedicate more than 8 hours daily to business activities, possess extensive training through professional or vocational courses, and have clear future plans. These entrepreneurs express high levels of satisfaction and pride in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Personal Traits, Motivation, Involvement, Women Entrepreneurs
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