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Franchising as a path to self-employment for Australian female entrepreneurs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Scott Weaven ,
Jennifer Isaac  and
Carmel Herington
Scott Weaven
Affiliation:
Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast QLD, Australia
Jennifer Isaac
Affiliation:
Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast QLD, Australia
Carmel Herington
Affiliation:
Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast QLD, Australia
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Abstract

This paper provides a better understanding of the motivational incentives driving franchising choice from the female franchisee's perspective. A qualitative methodology was adopted in this research to gain a clearer picture of the salient issues influencing female entrepreneurs' evaluations of alternative business models when making the self-employment decision. A sample of 14 female franchisees and 12 female independent business owners was interviewed to gather data on the reasons supporting a woman's initial decision to enter self-employment. Major contrasts have been identified between female franchisees and independent business owners suggesting that franchisors need to re-design their selection strategies and communication methods to promote female participation, sustain system wide growth and add creative diversity in franchise systems that have limited growth potential due to the lack suitable franchisees.

Keywords

Australiafemale franchiseesmotivational incentivesself-employmentSME
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , November 2007 , pp. 345 - 365
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2007

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