Differences Between Women-Owned Home-Based & Office-Based Businesses: An Exploratory Study

Authors

  • Stephanie Bardwell Christopher Newport University
  • Lisa D. Spiller Christopher Newport University
  • John E. Anderson Christopher Newport University

Abstract

In this paper, the differences between women-owned home-based and office-based businesses are explored through an empirical study of 150 attendees of small business workshops and conferences.  Home-based  and office-based  business  locations  are compared  based  on  an analysis of the following  variables: prior industry and managerial experience, business plan development, length of time spent planning the business, adequacy of starting capital, income level, self-reported  success  rating ,    and financial   and personal   satisfaction  levels.    Frequency data  were  assembled   and  characteristics   identified.   Cross-tabulations   and  Chi  Square analysis  of  expected  and  actual  related factors   was  performed   with  significant  factors identified. Results of this exploratory study suggest that women entrepreneurs with home­ based businesses have less employees, work fewer  hours, are more likely to hold second jobs, are not involved in international business activity, and are most often located in suburban and rural geographical  areas.   Although  there were no significant  differences  in the business planning  activities  between  home-based  and  office-based  women  entrepreneurs,  the study results indicate that home-based businesses generate  less income, are not perceived  to be as successful, and  are not as financially  satisfying  to the entrepreneur  as are office-based businesses.

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Published

2003-06-24

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Differences Between Women-Owned Home-Based & Office-Based Businesses: An Exploratory Study. (2003). Journal of Small Business Strategy (archive Only), 14(2), 58-72. https://libjournals.mtsu.edu/index.php/jsbs/article/view/531