The role of human and social capital in relation to the business performance of women owned enterprises in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: This research was designed to contribute to a greater understanding of the characteristics of female entrepreneurs in South Africa by interrogating whether certain elements of their Social and Human Capital impact on their business performance, measured in terms of turnover and business size in terms of employee numbers. Methodology: This was an exploratory study that used quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The unit of analysis was women business owners in South Africa that fit the criteria of owning and running businesses. The web application Survey Monkey survey tool was used from which the entrepreneurs could access the online questionnaire. The impact of elements of Human Capital and Social Capital on business performance was studied by looking for associations with a number of independent variables including education, social networking, age of business, and age and experience of the entrepreneur. Outcome: Pearson Chi-square test, and generelised linear(GLM) models revealed that Human Capital, does influence the business performance, although only on specific elements of business performance. Social Capital also influences the business performance, although only on specific Copyright