The Characteristics of Succesful Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESFUL NIGERIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

BY

DR. S. L. ADEYEMI
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN
Abstract
The ami of the study is to describe the characteristics of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs who have been successful in their business ventures. This paper attempts to understand who these successful women are and what are their trademarks for success. A questionnaire survey was employed for this study. Result are drawn from 75 respondents who identified themselves as female Nigerian Entrepreneurs, and who have achieved recognized success in their businesses. Provides an insight into the personal and business experiences of these women to give a broad picture of successful women. The study addresses issues such as personal profile, business profile, motivations, problems encountered on their way to success, and the success formulae.

Introduction
Internationally, the 1990’s was designated the decade of women leadership. Naishitt and Aburdewe (2000). This new leadership position has been most notable in the entrepreneurial pursuits of women. Rather than just climbing the corporate ladder of success, women are creating their own corporations.

A woman entrepreneur is defined as “the female head of a business who has taken the initiative of launching a new venture, who is accepting the associated risks and the financial, administrative and social responsibilities, and who is effectively in-charge of its day-to day management” (Lavoie, 1984/85). In this research, we adopt a more general definition of woman entrepreneur as someone who is an owner-manager of a small business. This broad definition is necessary given the small number of women business owners in Nigeria.

In a study by Adeyemi (1997), the Nigerian women entrepreneur was described as “aged 41, well-educated, married with children, grows up in an entrepreneurial environment, has previous work experience of about eight years, runs a small business that

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