The Role of Gender on Social Capital and Ability to Borrow Funds by Entrepreneurs

Date

2022-08

Authors

David, Jeremy

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Social capital is proving to be an emerging area of study in the overall study of entrepreneurship. The importance of capital, in all its forms, in achieving successful entrepreneurial outcomes cannot be overstated. This thesis explores the relationship of social capital to the acquisition of financial capital, specifically borrowed funds, and the moderating effect that gender may play. Understanding whether gender may play a role in the use of social capital amongst entrepreneurs in order to gain financial capital is important because while the number of women-owned businesses is increasing, the literature points out that there are still barriers to success. Additionally, using the framework of role congruity theory, the question of whether gender plays a moderating role in increasing social capital, thereby resulting in increases in financial capital acquired through borrowing is examined. This thesis advances the literature through the exploration of three hypotheses. The first is that there is a positive relationship between an entrepreneur’s level of social capital and ability to borrow funds. The second hypothesis is that male entrepreneurs receive more external funding through borrowing than female entrepreneurs. The final hypothesis is that the relationship between an entrepreneur’s social capital and borrowed funds is stronger for men than for women. Regression analysis supported hypotheses 1 and 2 but did not support hypothesis 3. These findings can support improvements among practitioners who help entrepreneurs seek positive outcomes.

Description

Keywords

Social capital, Gender, Entrepreneurship

Citation

David, J. (2022). <i>The role of gender on social capital and ability to borrow funds by entrepreneurs</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

Rights

Rights Holder

Rights License

Rights URI