Redes de empreendedorismo feminino: explorando a formação e interação por meio da lógica effectuation

Abstract

The objective of this research is to understand the process of formation and interaction of female entrepreneurship networks under effectuation logic. From the literature review carried out, 14 propositions were established that were verified in a field research. The methodological design adopted is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. An immersion was made in a network of female entrepreneurship that has its activities carried out in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, where data were collected through semi-structured interviews and direct observation. The analysis was carried out using content analysis techniques with Atlas ti.V.23 software for the organization, coding and categorization of data. It was found that participation in female entrepreneurship networks can generate triggers for the development of women as entrepreneurs (by listening to other women's stories and feeling part of a social group); to provide benefits for the undertakings, through business disclosure, access to new contacts and learning about management; and offer non-financial advantages, especially in terms of the personal development of entrepreneurs. Peculiar aspects of female entrepreneurship such as initial interactions with close ties of friendship and family; the relationship of trust as the main link between the participants and the content focused not only on exchange relationships and benefits for the entrepreneurs' businesses, but also on personal development, mutual support and exploration of aspects related to the female universe were highlighted. The results in the analyzes corroborate the pre-established propositions. This paper contributes with an analysis of the dynamic and complex networking activities of women entrepreneurs, moves beyond a single agency perspective to a collaborative perspective on entrepreneurship by women. The conceptual framework created can help in the management and future designs of both the analyzed network and other entrepreneurship networks aimed at the female audience and also helps public policy makers who need a better understanding of the relationships and networks of women entrepreneurs. It points out how some benefits experienced by participants in a network of women entrepreneurs can mitigate gaps in female entrepreneurship, such as difficulty participating in networks, low innovative capacity, lack of self-confidence, lack of professional qualification, difficulties in establishing strategies for growth, little money for promotion and financial problems.