Assessment of the role of Indian women in South African family-owned businesses

Abstract

The objective of this report was to gain a better understanding of the role of Indian women in South African Indian family-owned businesses. Thirty, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. The respondents comprised of ten South African - Indian females, ten Indian males and ten non-family employees. The feedback was analysed using the constant comparative analysis method. Purposive sampling coupled with maximum variation generated a participant base of Indian family businesses with female family members actively involved on a daily basis in the business, primarily in financial administration. A model, based on the findings, was derived for the purpose of drawing the key findings together. This model (Figure 3) illustrates the key roles of Indian women, relating to the six research questions and also highlights the emergence of a new theme, male ego conditioning. The model provides a basis for family business practices in understanding the interplay of the various roles of Indian women at the individual, business and family interfaces., in order to cope with their family and business responsibilities. This research project also uncovered additional findings that have improved the current understanding of the role of Indian women in a family business and provides implications for future family business practice and research.