Does the institutional system support or hinder women’s entrepreneurship in a male-dominated business environment? An inductive approach to theory building

Purpose The importance of women entrepreneurship in the development process, especially in the rapid implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5 and 13), cannot be underestimated. Recognition of the catalytic role of WE has attracted the interest of governments, scientists, and NGOs. Although several studies have focused on the challenges women face, it is important to understand the role of the institutional system in a male-dominated business environment. This study examines whether the institutional system supports or hinders women entrepreneurship (WE) in a male-dominated business environment. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative phenomenological research approach was chosen for the study. A total of 30 in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with women entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries were conducted using the snowball sampling technique. Data analyzed using content analysis revealed the role of the institutional system as both a driver and a barrier to WE in a male-dominated business environment. Findings Three insightful findings emerged from the content analysis. First, women entrepreneurs operating in a male-dominated business environment have faced regulatory challenges, including poor infrastructure, strict registration processes, insecurity, and unequal property rights. Second, they are hampered by normative issues such as gender roles, stereotypes, and family-company conflicts. Finally, women entrepreneurs operating in a male-dominated business environment are negatively affected by cognitive issues such as low educational attainment, lack of confidence in their knowledge, skills, and expertise (KSE) and loss of self-confidence/self-esteem. Research limitations/implications The study enriches the knowledge of entrepreneurship and small business governance with new insights into how institutional systems support or hinder WE in Nigeria. However, the findings cannot be transferred to all developing countries. Practical implications We have developed the main proposition of inductive theory that women entrepreneurship in a male-dominated business environment is more likely to be hampered by a non-inclusive institutional system and vice versa. Originality/value The novelty of this study stems from the use of an inductive theory-building approach to explain the institutional factors influencing women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated business environment. The study, therefore, offers researchers and policymakers relatively new insights into the drivers and barriers of WE in a male-dominated business environment, using an inductive approach.