Preliminary communication

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.46672/aet.10.2.3

ANALYSIS OF DISINCENTIVES AND INCENTIVES FOR HIGHER REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN CROATIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP (on 26/11/2024)

Davor Perkov ; Libertas međunarodno sveučilište
Zvonko Merkaš ; Libertas međunarodno sveučilište
Petra Marić

Abstract

Promoting the female entrepreneurship model and eliminating gender discrimination are currently the focal point of interest of the wider international community. Specific government
measures for a more equal representation of women in entrepreneurship are insufficient if they do not include policies of gender awareness across sectors. Despite representing the majority of European population (51 %), women are significantly underrepresented in the area of entrepreneurial management, with one out of three managers (35.1 %) being female in 2022. Thus, the highest leadership positions in the biggest ten international and domestic hotels in Croatia were held by only 15.1 % of women (in only half of the observed companies!). Although it has been slightly increasing for several years, the activity of female population in Croatian entrepreneurship is significantly lower than that of male population. Consequently, only
1/5 companies are owned by women. Considering that there are differentiating but also mutually complementing elements in management styles between men and women, the optimal ratio of both genders holding key positions in corporate and SME entrepreneurship would generally enable companies to achieve better business results. The main purpose of this paper is to explain women’s motives to enter entrepreneurship as well as disincentives hindering their more equal representation and success in Croatia. For that purpose, an empirical research was conducted on the sample of 100 Croatian female entrepreneurs. The study of gender differences is, among others, closely connected with efforts to achieve work-life balance of female entrepreneurs. The area is highly significant for the wellbeing of women and successful functioning of companies in the SME sector. The paper confirms the hypothesis that despite family obligations, Croatian female entrepreneurs are able to perform quality managerial company activities.

Keywords

sources of finance, female entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, gender equality, self-realisation, work-life balance

Hrčak ID:

324875

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/324875

Publication date:

23.12.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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