Entrepreneurial Satisfaction for Women Micro-entrepreneurs: A Network Perspective

The study aims to examine the women micro-entrepreneurs' network with key stakeholders in Maharashtra region of India. Sometimes networking events may not result in fruitful outcomes because of lack of quality advice and information shared by the stakeholders. Researchers have therefore shown interest in understanding the role of network formation among women micro-entrepreneurs. Therefore, the study explores the information and advice network regarding the frequency and usefulness of contact and its effect on entrepreneurial satisfaction. The paper also examines the personality characteristics and their direct and indirect effects on networks and the satisfaction of entrepreneurs. The data were collected during the period January-March 2022. Survey method was used to collect 219 responses. The survey was conducted among women entrepreneurs having micro and small entrepreneurial ventures. The results showed that family, friends, media and social media are important stakeholders for women entrepreneurs for both information and advice, and locus of control and need for affiliation have a direct effect. However, resilience indirectly affected satisfaction, implying that resilience is imperative in the absence of strong networks. The study's findings show the direction for developing skills to improve one's network with close ties, and to build stronger connections using digital communication.