Barriers of growth within an informal sector business: narratives of women subsistence entrepreneurs in South Africa
African Journal of Economic and Management Studies
ISSN: 2040-0705
Article publication date: 7 January 2022
Issue publication date: 30 August 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores growth barriers experienced by a sample of women subsistence entrepreneurs operating within the informal sector in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilizes a descriptive-exploratory research approach and design relying on semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of 45 women subsistence entrepreneurs formed the participant pool.
Findings
Three main narratives emerged. First, a sense of personal contentment existed as a potential barrier for women subsistence entrepreneurs. Second, the women subsistence entrepreneurs had no expansion strategy due to their circumstances. This served as a barrier to growth. Finally, challenges emanating from the home-front served as a limit to the growth of the informal sector business.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the findings, strategies are offered to assist the women subsistence entrepreneurs in tackling the identified barriers to the growth of the informal sector business. A limitation of the research concerns issues that accompany qualitative research. Notably, these include sampling issues.
Practical implications
Based on the findings, strategies are offered to assist women subsistence entrepreneurs in tackling the barriers that affect their businesses.
Originality/value
Given the popularity of the informal sector in emerging nations such as South Africa, the study proffers suggestions that assist the advancement of subsistence entrepreneurship, especially within the informal sector. The role of women in all this is heightened.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge funding from the Research Niche Area of the Faculty of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare.
Citation
Shava, H. and Chinyamurindi, W. (2022), "Barriers of growth within an informal sector business: narratives of women subsistence entrepreneurs in South Africa", African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 328-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-08-2021-0354
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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