FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN UGANDA

A CASE STUDY OF NAKAWA DIVISION, KAMPALA DISTRICT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

It is realized globally that solving factors facing the performance of women small and medium enterprises is the key to any development process of any nation and that women form the bases of success in economic project in this case small and medium enterprises. The success of women small and medium enterprises’ projects is key to the nation as if they succeed, the nation succeeds (Bridge et al., 1998).

In their development policies, many countries have stressed the need to encourage women to participate and establish their own businesses, a factor which will eliminate poverty in the society as women clearly outnumber men. Ownership, passion and support of women small and medium enterprises will lead to their projects’ success. Entrepreneurial factors like management experience, family history, functional skills, and relevant business sector knowledge was key for the success of women small and medium enterprises (Storey, 1994).

To overcome the factors influencing the performance of women small and medium enterprises, women must be allowed to take initiative and deliberations so that they are able to exert effective control of their development projects. Therefore creating an enabling climate to small and medium enterprises in development projects involves effective coordination of local activities and involving all stakeholders to enable women help themselves to achieve certain objectives to bring about success. Successful women small and medium entrepreneurs identify good business climate as key in achieving one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that is eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, (Modebe & Ubajaka, 2012)

Supporting entrepreneurial potential of Women has not yet been fully exploited (Antoni, 2010). If well supported, whether by internal factors (eg capital and human resources), or by external factors for example government support, women small and medium enterprises was seen to thrive and position themselves to mentor other women who have interest in venturing to small and medium enterprises projects. Other scholars have also emphasized the need of ownership of development projects by communities. In Uganda, women need to up their game and own successful small and medium enterprises project as it’s through their effort that they can expand their businesses leading to expansion of the Ugandan economy.

Globally, success of small and medium enterprises projects still is a challenge. Large projects like Kariba dam is on the verge of collapse as it has developed ‘serious structural weaknesses’ according to Zambian watchdog newspaper, 2014. The walls of the dam are developing cracks and therefore the World Bank and IFC need to move with speed to save the situation. According to a survey conducted by World Bank’s private arm and the International Finance Corporation, they have found that only half of its Africa projects succeed. The major contributing factor for collapse of these projects is lack of required skills, unfriendly business environment and the passion to drive the projects to the next level. Some projects are funded through loans, but the sometimes due to poor feasibility studies, they end up collapsing (Todaro, 2000).

In Nakawa division, incomplete projects include schools, to mention but a few of the indicators of unresolved barring blocks in women small and medium enterprises. It is now necessary to examine in-depth the factors that influence the performance of small and medium enterprises owned by women.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

SMEs are the major agents of economic growth and employment in Uganda and over 60% of businesses are estimated to fail each year (Uganda National Bureau of Statistics, 2013). Glen (2003) notes that, under normal circumstances women’s enterprises have low growth rate and limited potential partially due to the type of business activities they run. Despite government efforts in Uganda to promote SMEs activity, not much progress seems to have been achieved on the performance of SMEs with many women small and medium enterprises failing in the first two years of operation. Therefore the study sought to investigate the factors influencing the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs.

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 General objective of the Study

To determine the factors influencing the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division, Kampala district.

1.3.2 Objectives of the Study

The study focused on achieving the following objectives:

• (i). To analyze the effect of cultural practices on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division
• (ii). To establish the effect of source funding on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division
• (iii). To determine the effect of entrepreneurial training on the women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division

1.4 Research questions

The study attempted to answer the following questions:

• (i). How does cultural practice affect the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division?
• (ii). How does source of funding affect the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division?
• (iii). How does entrepreneurial training affect the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs in Nakawa division?

1.5 Scope of the study

1.5.1 Content Scope

The study determined the factors influencing the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs. With specific emphasis on the effect of cultural practices, source of funding and entrepreneurship training on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs

1.5.2 Geographical scope

The study was carried out at Nakawa division, Kampala district. The area is chosen because it has multiple SMEs that are women owned thus, will provide relevant information needed.

1.5.3 Time scope

The study was carried out for a period of three months from May to July, 2017.

1.6 Significance of the study

It is hoped that the study would be of great use to the Nakawa division as it will use the study to develop policies and strategies that was of great use in ensuring success of already established women small and medium enterprises and new ones to come.

It is the researchers believe that the government would use the report through the Ministry of Gender in developing policies for effective disbursement and use of funds to women small and medium enterprises

Non Governmental Organizations (NGOS) and other development partners like International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank will find the report useful.

1.7 Definitions of Significant Terms

Small and medium enterprises: Business enterprises with less than 20 people

Sources of funding: A sum of money or other resources set aside for a specific purpose

Performance: Overall activities and operations performed by women small and medium entrepreneurs in strengthening their business activities

Culture: Culture is a collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another

Training: It is the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies Religion

Management: The process of dealing with or controlling things or people

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

The chapter reviews the work done by other scholars on factors influencing women small and medium enterprises projects both globally and locally; basing on the research objectives;  to analyze the effect of cultural practices on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs; to establish the effect of source funding on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs; to determine the effect of entrepreneurial training on the women small and medium entrepreneurs.

2.1 The effect cultural practices on the performance of women small and medium enterprises.

The first entrepreneurial challenge women entrepreneurs face is that of cultural value or tradition. This challenge originates from the cultural value that entails that the man/husband is the breadwinner of the house. A woman exhibiting her entrepreneurial skills is presumed to want to take over the leadership role of her husband. This challenge also surfaces in families where the husband is an entrepreneur. The male child is usually groomed on running the family business and carrying on with the business after the demise of the father. On the other hand, the female child is usually left out of the entrepreneurial grooming process but more engaged in taking care of the household chores. Although cultural barriers may have a negative impact on some women’s choice to venture to business (Barley, 1989), a higher number of women may decide to start small and medium enterprises because of the barriers they encounter in paid employment (Brush, 2002)

The establishment of an active small and medium enterprises sector and the effective utilization of quality business information has been identified as crucial in attaining long-term and sustainable economic growth for developed and developing countries, alike (Corps, 2005). Small and medium enterprises success is critical in poverty alleviation, economic development and development of more pluralist societies. The number of the small and medium enterprises is on increase trend and it is for this reason that we are noticing decrease in dependency rate among women, though at a low pace than expected.

Personal characteristics of the business owner interacting with managerial defects produce weaknesses in the firm (Berry, 2007). According to him, entrepreneur’s personal attributes and shortcomings had a significant impact on the performance of the business. Entrepreneurial business is surrounded by many societal factors such as cultural, economic, political and social forces. These factors can act as a threat or an opportunity in business. Individual personalities and behaviors, firms political systems, economic conditions and social traditions are all intertwined with national culture (Berger, 2002).

2.1.1 Marital status and women small and medium enterprises

Women tend to have more ties to women than to men (Popielarz, 2009). Women’s network is mainly related to family links and may prove to be an obstacle to business activities. This phenomenon could be a disadvantage in the overall business community for contacting women entrepreneurs, gathering information and other resources related to them. Limited women participation in the labor force is attributed to social norms where married women participation is less than single or widowed women. Married women have the least participation in labor force Divorced women participation in the labor force is almost three times of that of married women, meaning single/divorced women will always have a upper hand in success of small and medium enterprises projects as compared to married ones.

Opportunities are raising different sectors including agriculture, textile, transportation, and information and technology (Martin, 2010). According to a study, “The Role of Cultural Values in Understanding the Challenges Faced by Female Small and medium Entrepreneurs,” it presents that there is a positive correlation between increased gross domestic product [GDP] and entrepreneurial activity of the women. This means that if the GDP of any nation is to improve, then married women need support as they perform their marital duties as well as entrepreneurial ones.

Women who choose to pursue entrepreneurship find themselves in a flexible position to excel in those career options that prove favorable for their married life style and children (Wilmerding, 2006), but this choice often leads to conflict. Fitting business with family obligation is often “a difficult position for most women especially those with children” (Wilmerding, 2006). While striving to get success in fulfilling the work and family demands, women tend to work too hard and often make difficult choices, even at the cost of their health only to satisfy their customers and keep their families happy (Holmes, 2007). Jacobs & Gerson (2004) suggest that psychological consequences of combined tensions of work and family primarily fall on women that result in negative consequences. Work and family management provides ample opportunities for women to develop and grow their interests since participation in both spheres of life enriches their entrepreneurial skills (Fels, 2004).

2.1.2 Domestic chores in women small and medium enterprises

Increased participation in the labor force is posing a number of challenges. Saddled with household chores and domestic responsibilities, women performance in their small and medium entrepreneurs businesses is negatively affected. Among other challenges, managing work and family responsibilities is one of the most significant challenges women face (Gvendouzi, 2006). In an effort to increase work life balance, women have started entering into self employment to gain more flexibility and control over their work and personal lives (Ward, 2007).

Work-life balance is a challenge that not only women entrepreneurs face but also affect women in the corporate sector. Women naturally are the backbone of the family; they lay the building block on which the family foundation is built. So often times, women entrepreneurs usually find themselves torn between commitment to the family and business/career. Women have to take care of the household grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, taking care o children and husbands, yet the world is waiting to see their success in the business arena. Balancing work and family is often more difficult for women than men because of the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities (Bird, 2006).

It is not possible to balance work and family more so in our patriarchal society where women are expected to share the large responsibility of family care. Family and work are largely shaped by stereotypical gender roles (Gutek, et al., 1991) due to the traditionally held belief that men are breadwinners and women mere housewives. This shows that the social construction of gender makes motherhood less negotiable as compared to fatherhood (Gronlund, 2007). In most African cultures, girls grow up being nurtured on how to be good mothers and performing home duties perfectly to the detriment of entrepreneurial culture.

For those women who tend to earn by working along with family responsibilities, researchers suggest that entrepreneurship is a viable option that helps them gain flexibility and control between work and family. Women are more likely to start their own business for achieving work life balance compared to men (Brush at al., 2006). Women more often than men cite the desire for flexibility as a main motivation behind starting a business, suggests. Number of researchers asserts that majority of the women embarking into self-employment go for the reason to develop more flexible schedules that provide them opportunity to balance work and family demands (Lombard, 2001) and allows them to work from home to reduce the burden of finding childcare (Boden, 2006). Males get motivated to become entrepreneurs to seek high financial gains; women prefer flexibility in career (DeMartino & Barbato, 2003).

2.1.3 Religion and performance of women small and medium enterprises

Culture is a product of religion and religion is the foundation of our beliefs. Some religious practices are detrimental to entrepreneurial growth and this slows down the business. Some verses in the Bible and even Quran have been misconceived. That women should be submissive to their husbands doesn’t mean that they should not own a business enterprise nor inherit their parents’ property. Many families both in Christian and Muslim world have always preferred their son(s) to run their businesses and ignored their daughters and this has sidelined women in entrepreneurial world. The extent of religious diversity and competition are thought to depend on how the government regulates the market for religion. The existence of an established state church is viewed as one source of a low degree of religious pluralism and, therefore, of low participation in organized religion. It has been argued that religion is a source of compensation for persons suffering from economic or social deprivation (Howard, 2007).

Quite a number of times, girls have been trained how to play a role of a wife where you find some of them are schooling yet they are married or have been ‘booked’ for marriage. This has negatively affected women and a lot of training is needed to save these young girls. In a way, the government has failed to play its part of improving the ability of female entrepreneurs and also protecting young girls from early marriages, and this has left out many potential women entrepreneurs out. Religion should not be misconceived as not entrepreneurially accommodating, as small and medium enterprises tend to operate in a niche market which large firms can not economically enter due to unattractive return on investment. Perhaps, as a result of the association with entrepreneurial activity and innovation, small and medium enterprises serve an important “seedbed” role for the growth of new industries and the establishment of future large companies (Howard, 2007).

2.2 Effect of sources of funding on the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs

Capital is one of the factors of production and without it, no business enterprise will succeed. There are various financial challenges that face small enterprises i.e. high cost of credit, high bank charges, high ledger fees, poor family background, and a lot of bureaucracies in accessing a loan facility. Access to finance and credit facilities hugely affect the growth of women owned small and medium businesses. Insufficient capital has led to collapse of many business projects. World Bank studies argue that women are discriminated in formal and informal credit markets (Morrison et. al. 2007). A study on access to finance in Kenya and Uganda shows that access to formal financial institutions was strongly associated with government employment, education and gender.

2.2.1 Access of credit from financial institution

Lack of credit is almost universally indicated as one of the key barriers for women small and medium enterprises. This affects technology choice by limiting the number of alternatives the number of alternatives that can be considered. Many women small and medium enterprises may use inappropriate technology because it is the only one they can afford. In some cases even when credit is unavailable, these women may lack freedom of choice as the lending conditions may force the purchase of heavy immovable equipment that can serve as collateral for the loan. Lack of access to long term credit for women enterprises forces them to rely on high cost short term finance. According to a UN report nearly 75 percent of the world’s women cannot get formal bank loans because they lack permanent employment and title deeds to land or housing that they can offer as security, or because the laws of their countries classify them as minors i.e. not eligible to make legal transactions (World Bank, 2007).

Financial constraints remain one of the major challenges facing women small and medium entrepreneurs (Wanjohi & Mugure 2008). High interest rates on loans, low interest rates on deposits and collateral demanded by financial institutions only serve as a stumbling block for women entrepreneurs to expand their business projects. Women suffer most in terms of accessing money for either start up or growing their business unlike their men counterpart. As such, it becomes a serious barrier or impediment to their business progress. Most of them have little in term of possessing collaterals, asset or even business track record in their entrepreneurial activity to help them to successfully secure money for their business. They actually face with more difficult challenge when the business succeeds and the need for additional capital become larger without corresponding opportunity to sources of finance or even any incentive that will help them to transit from micro to typical full fledge small business.

2.2.2 Family funds effect in women small and medium enterprises

Women are important stakeholders in resource management policies although inadequate access to finance has limited their ability to participate in policy and decision making even when they are not formally excluded (Gupte, 2004). When women take ownership of their small and medium enterprise projects, the chances of their success are much greater though finances become an issue when it becomes limited. However, despite their importance in small and medium enterprise projects, research finds that women may be left out even in participatory policies more so if they come from poor families. Women who are supported financially to start their business do well than those who are not. The mentors will provide advice and support them on the start up of business enterprises, running and growth of their enterprises in the early phases of their life. Only established families with strong history of persistent profitability was able to offer strong business mentorship to the upcoming women small and medium enterprises as compared to those coming from economically struggling families.

It is also argued by Rouse & Jayawarna (2006) that it seems likely that people whose family and communities have lower earning power was less able to access informal source of support. This support can be in term of finance or in any form that could be helpful to the entrepreneurs in need. In most instances women have the fear to confront banks or any institution for external finances as such institutions discourage borrowers. The cost for external finance could be higher compared to internal finance such as family contributions hence many women small and medium entrepreneurs prefer to finance their businesses internally. Usually those considered as disadvantaged have limited available sources of internal finance, as such the ability for them to finance further businesses expansion is not tenable. Since family funding act as their last resort, they will continue to utilize it until their investments grow up (Magri, 2009) or the business will continue to stagnate. This is because most financial institutions especially the banks see micro business or any form of business run by the ‘disadvantaged’ group like women as unsecured.

2.2.3 Effect of personal savings in women small and medium enterprises

Raising capital is the primary barrier that women face since age. Personal savings, personal credit lines, personal credit cards and personal loans are crucial for business entrepreneurs. This has tremendous implications for entrepreneurs who have very limited or no personal assets. In particular, young women entrepreneurs typically do not have access to this form of financing as a result of not owning any assets and having a limited credit history hence barring them from starting up business enterprises. Additionally, many enter their business careers with sizeable loan debts that would further restrict their ability to access personal credit for a business venture. The challenges faced by these women have sharpened them hence making them more proactive by seeing the opportunity in the challenges they face (Vaessen & Keeble, 2005).

Many small and medium enterprises owned by women, might not be able to access this type of financing if they have limited personal credit histories and either no personal assets or in the case of many, joint owned assets with a spouse. These individuals may not secure assets physically located on a reserve as collateral for loans and credit lines, thereby restricting access to these financial instruments. When these women start up businesses with their own savings, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility and would like to generate more income from such. When they participate in their own system development process, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership in the results and support for the system (Garry, 2009). There was hence a sense of responsibility and accountability on their side if success is to be part and parcel of their businesses.

Most firms in remote rural areas have less active savings due to poor living conditions. The problem has been worsened by lower awareness and usage of external business advice (Keeble, 2003). The challenges women face when growing up deprives them of any idea on the importance of saving, hence weakening foundation of starting and running up of business enterprises. Women who start business with small savings or from family source tend to experience difficulties as the business grows. The expectation and demand for increase for money goes beyond personal savings or family contributions. Although men may find themselves in similar situation, women suffer most because of the limited connection, network and the necessary exposure to various institutional arrangements.

Women are often considered as disadvantaged when compared to male counterparts given their nature. One of the suggestions made by Fraser, (2004) is that poor access to private external finance relates to the demand side problem, in particular the lack of information about the available source rather than lack of available credit. Information asymmetry is mostly the contributing factor that effects the decision of financing institutions in processing applications not only for women but generally for all small and medium entrepreneurs. Inadequate saving will always act as a barrier to women small and medium entrepreneurs hence expansion of their businesses was affected negatively.

2.3 Effect of entrepreneurial training on the performance of women small and medium enterprises

Adequate skills are very important for the growth of businesses. The informal sectors have proved that it can boost economic growth in the country. In the sector, practical skills are being demanded and quite a big number of women are not having these skills and this has seen many of their businesses collapsing. Professional training is very important in entrepreneurial world otherwise the projects will end up collapsing. Studies have shown that women have higher labor burden as opposed to men (Dejene, 2006), a big limitation to access of professional skill required in business world. Family and community responsibilities take a lot of women’s time that could be applied for improving their income generating efforts. Their responsibility for child care limits their mobility and obliges them to generate income in less conducive environment for business. Although statistical data are not available on the share of children attending early childhood education, there is greater shortage of affordable child care and preschool programs even in urban areas in many parts of Africa. Women’s responsibilities for child care are often cited as reasons for women’s low participation in skills training and literacy programs, which are crucial for building business management skills of female.

2.3.1 Professional training as a factor in small and medium enterprises

Today’s small and medium entrepreneurs require a comprehensive stock of knowledge and skills that are related to their type of business and adaptable for change of their local and international environment. Financial education is a key instrument to improve women’s overall financial and economic empowerment. Because of this, various countries at different income levels have acknowledged the need to address financial literacy among women. In developing countries, young women and girls face various challenges from the young age. They need to be prepared through education in meeting life event activities such as marriage and births to cope with emergencies and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves (Amin et al, 2010).

Continuous improvement and innovation are paramount to business success. Inefficient business processes are expensive as they can bring a business down, limiting ability to compete against more competitive innovators. Men are often privileged to more sources of information by virtue of their network and their position in the society. They stay longer in employment and have vast life experience, while women are often not well connected to business networks through which information can be tapped and shared hence a big challenge to their success in entrepreneurial world. Lack of government research and development policy represents a formal barrier to small and medium enterprises’ innovation among women. The existence of a sizeable and thriving underground economy acts as an informal barrier that impacts negatively upon investment in, and increases the cost of innovation in women small and medium enterprises. Skills shortages emerge as significant variables to affect the innovation decisions of women small and medium enterprises (Demirbas & Matlay, 2011).

2.3.2 Level of management skills as a determinant of performance of women Small and medium entrepreneurs

Management ability is one of the most influential factors in the successful growth of new ventures (Park & Bae, 2004). The ability to manage can be achieved through experience or training both on the job and in the classroom. Lack of access to training and advisory services is one of the main reasons often used to explain underperformance of women small and medium entrepreneur (Brown et al., 2002). These sediments are echoed by Heilbrunn, (2004) who points out that most women owned businesses show slow or no growth due to lack of business and managerial skills. Acquisition of managerial skill and training is very essential to the success of any business enterprise. It is considered as one of the building block for successful entrepreneurial venture (Brush et al, 2009). Most women fail to grow their business due to lack of managerial skills and they seldom operate their business and treat it as family affairs. Perhaps this is rooted from their motivational inspiration for starting the venture to just generate income for the sustenance of the family need.

Through training and capacity building in both entrepreneurial characteristics and business structures, an entrepreneur can develop entrepreneurial competences. Bridge et al. (2008) describe the importance of technical and management skills in adapting to and coping with changing environments, and identify such learned skills as key determining factors for growth (Gorman et al.,2007) acknowledge that the Learning needs of entrepreneurs vary at different stages of development and in different cultural settings; their ‘underlying assumption for using audience segmentation being that educational objectives, subject matter and pedagogical approach might be expected to vary depending on the nature of the target audience’. Guided preparation in entrepreneurship, unless it is of a sort appropriate to the growth stage of a new venture, can even be counterproductive

Gender too has an impact upon the nature of entrepreneurial education (Singh & Vinnicombe, 2003). Women need training to get the same business skills as men do as we are all leaving in a very competitive world, a world with scarce resources to all people, and where everyone is fighting for a share. The higher the entrepreneurial skills the women small and medium entrepreneurs have, the higher the success of these projects. Educational system for secondary, vocational and after schools program should be revamp to match between the skills required for the small and medium enterprises and job seekers. The educational foundations acquired during schooling will prepare the job seekers for training during employment. Therefore, women small and medium entrepreneurs should make full use of the training programs and the special schemes provided by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for its employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.

2.4 Conceptual Framework

Independent variables                                                          Dependent variable

                                                             Moderating variable 

Women deliberately may choose a slower pace and avoid expanding their businesses too quickly. Whatever the business size, the environment of any environment is considerable, consisting of all the influences that may affect its decisions and performances (Grant, 1988). The weaknesses and strengths when well analyzed will set a strong foundation of providing solutions to future business enterprise challenges. The model creates awareness to donors, government, NGOs, leaders and the communities themselves, on importance of identifying the challenges facing business entrepreneurs and this is the sure way of enhancing success and prosperity of such projects. Thus, the study will investigate how these three independent variables namely, cultural practices, sources of funding undermine performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs. These variables are summarized in the conceptual framework.

2.5 Conclusion

This chapter has reviewed the literature on factors influencing performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs globally and locally. Although women are faced by several challenges, they have managed to succeed but at a slow pace. The literature explains the challenges women face and if well addressed, then unemployment cases was minimal resulting to economic growth and reduction of dependency syndrome and more so Nakawa division where we have so many youths who have turned to drug abuse as their best alternative. Successful small and medium entrepreneur projects will also mean good utilization of natural resources in the city creating a better environment for tourist attraction.

Strong small and medium enterprises by women will rise up only when the highlighted challenges are tackled. It is possible to narrow success gap across gender as women can now access education and capital just like men, though the ‘tag’ that they are women needs to be shed off if they are to succeed in entrepreneurial world. The government also needs to defend the girl child and save her from early marriage.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This section discusses the research design, data type and sources, sample size and selection, data collection tools/methods, data presentation and analysis, data collection procedure and limitation of the study.

3.2 Research Design

Research design refers to the master plan that was used in the study in order to answer the research questions (Nachmias & Nachmias, 1996). The design was concerned with challenges facing performance of women small and medium enterprises. Descriptive survey was used. A descriptive survey is an attempt of gathering data from members of a population in order to determine the current status of that population with respect to one or more variables. It is a method that studies large population by selecting and studying the samples from the population to discover the relative incidence, distribution and interrelations of sociological and psychological variables (Kerlinger, 1973). Descriptive survey utilizes questionnaires which will consist of both open ended and closed ended questions which will constitute items on how legislative processes, leadership, socio-economic factors and expectations of the society can act as challenges to women small and medium enterprise projects.

3.3 Data type and sources

Data was collected from both primary and secondary source.

Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires. Secondary data was collected from published journals, reports, text books, and company records.

3.4 Area and Population of study

The study was carried out at Nakawa division, Kampala district. The area is chosen because it has multiple SMEs that are women owned thus, provided relevant information needed. The population of the study include local leaders (LC I and LC II) and women.

3.5. Sample Size and Technique

3.5.1 Sample Size

The sample size was 109 respondents. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970). The sample size determination Table 3.1 is derivative from the sample size calculation which expressed as below equation (Krejcie and Morgan, 1970). The Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size calculation was based on p = 0.05 where the probability of committing type I error is less than 5 % orp <0.05.

S=

Where,

s = required sample size.

X²=the table value of chi-square for 1 degree of freedom at the desired confidence level (0.05 = 3.841).

N = the population size.

P = the population proportion (assumed to be 0.50 since this would provide the maximum sample size.

d = the degree of accuracy expressed as proportion (0.05).

Table 3.1: Sample Size and Composition

Adapted from Krejcie, R.V & Morgan, D.W (1970)

The study used a sample size selected 109 respondents because it was enough for the study to obtain reliable information. In addition, it helped the researcher to finish her study in time.

3.5.2 Sampling Technique

The study used both purposive sampling method and simple random sampling. Purposive sampling is one of the most cost-effective and time-effective sampling methods available, it may be the only appropriate method available if there are only limited number of primary data sources that can contribute to the study and this sampling technique can be effective in exploring anthropological situations where the discovery of meaning can benefit from an intuitive approach.

The study also used simple random method to reduce on the biasness of the purposive data and mainly used on residents because it is free of classification error, and it requires minimum advance knowledge of the population other than the frame. Its simplicity also makes it relatively easy to interpret data collected in this manner. For these reasons, simple random sampling best suits situations where not much information is available about the population and data collection can be efficiently conducted on randomly distributed items, or where the cost of sampling is small enough to make efficiency less important than simplicity.

3.6 Data collection methods and procedures

The study involved the use of questionnaires.

The questionnaire was used because it is practical, also large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time and in a relatively cost effective way, can be carried out by the researcher or by any number of people with limited affect to its validity and reliability, the results of the questionnaires can usually be quickly and easily quantified by either a researcher or through the use of a software package, can be analysed more ‘scientifically’ and objectively, when data has been quantified, it can be used to compare and contrast other research and may be used to measure change.

3.7 Data management, analysis and interpretation

3.7.1 Data management

This included all measures put in place to ensure that quality data is obtained. The management included data editing before leaving the area of study to ensure that there are no mistakes or areas left blank and if any mistakes are found they was corrected before leaving the field. The researcher will also code the questionnaires and store them in the file for safety and locked in a place which can only be accessed by the researcher.

3.7.2 Data analysis

3.7.2.1 Qualitative Data

Data processing involved editing raw data to detect errors and omissions, classifying data according to common features, and tabulation to summarize and organize it. Data analysis involved the qualitative approach of identifying the major themes arising respondents’ answers; assigning of codes to the themes: classification of the themes under the main theme; and integrating the responses into the report in a more descriptive and analytical manner.

3.7.2.2 Quantitative Data

Manual editing of questionnaires was done to eliminate errors. After coding, tabulation was done to clearly present various responses and the interpretation. Frequencies and percentages was used to portray statistics used to analyze and interpret the findings of the study using statistical packages like Microsoft excel.

3.7.3 Data presentation and interpretation

Presentation of data involved use of tables, pie-charts and graphs that was generated from the questions relevant to the study variables. Interpretation and discussion of the results was done as the researcher explained the strength of the study variables basing on the frequencies and percentages, charts and graphs.

3.8 Limitations of the study

The researcher further was faced with a problem of some respondents not providing information for the study as information relating to the study variables.

The study was limited to a representative sample due to high expenses that are involved in terms of time and funds since this research is self-funded.

This unrealistic expectation from the respondents is also another problem the researcher faced. Very many people expected too much thing from researcher for example money etc, yet the researcher is totally student who does not have money.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction

The focus of this study was to analyze and interpret data on the factors that influence the performance of women small and medium enterprises. Data was collected through questionnaires which were formulated and guided by the objectives of this study and operational definition of variables found in chapter one andthree respectively. In this analysis every question addressing each objective have been separately analyzed and laterrelated. The information provided was analyzed in order to form basis for building relationships among categories in all questions addressing the three objectives of the study as illustrated infrequency tables, cross tabulation and charts that follows.

4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents

In this part, the data collected in answering the basic questions are presented and analyzed.

Table 4.1: Distribution of Respondents by Sex

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, female respondents formed the highest percentage 105(96.3%) compared to the male with only 4(3.7%). Females were found to be more active in participation which explains their highest number. However, both were considered since it was important to get views of men in the study.

Table 4.2: Age of Respondents

Source: Primary Data

The majority 44(40.4%) of the respondents were predominantly between the 40years and above while the minority of the respondents 6(5.5%) were in the age bracket of 19-24years. Above 40years had the highest number because these are the most active age group hence they are actively involved in business, therefore they had rich experiences and could also appreciate the importance of the study.

Table 4.3: Highest Level of Education

Source: Primary Data

The table above shows that most of the respondents 24(22.0%) were of degree holders and the lowest number 13(11.9%) had certificates therefore, provided information based on the academic knowledge, skills and experience they have gain in management.

Table 4.4: Distribution of Respondents by Marital Status

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, female respondents formed the highest percentage 81(74.3%) compared to separated with only 4(3.7%). Married people were found to be more active in participation which explains their highest number.

Table 4.5: Distribution of Respondents by Responsibility in the organization

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, most of the respondents 63(57.8%) were support staff while the lowest number 9(8.3%) were accountants. This implies that information was got from all levels of management.

Table 4.6: Distribution of Respondents by length of service

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, majority of the respondents 55(50.5%) have operated business for a period between 0-4years while the minority of the respondents 2(1.8%) have operated for 14years and above.

From the above, majority of the business enterprises have not yet lasted for more than 9 years in operation. Assessing the performance of an entrepreneurship has some correlation with the duration at which the same has been in operation. There is no doubt that the experience gained in running entrepreneurial activities was insufficient hence many enterprises collapsing early at their earlier stages after they are started. It is important to note that experience is a factor of time; hence the longer the duration of business performance, the more the stability and the better are the results.

4.2 Cultural practices as a factor of performance

On cultural practices, the study sought out to find whether culture restrict one from engaging in business and the findings were as shown in the table below.

Table 4.7: Distribution of Respondents by Responsibility in the organization

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, most of the respondents 89(81.9%) mentioned that culture does not restrict them from engaging in business. Only 20(18.3%) of the respondents mentioned that it restricted them from engaging in business.

Table 4.8: Ways through which culture restricts one from engaging in business.

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, the highest number of respondents 11(55%) mentioned that women have a role to do home chores. While the lowest number of respondents 3(15%) indicated that women are prohibited to engage in business.

The information given below clearly shows that the performance of small and medium enterprises was largely affected by home duties/chores.

The women were not supposed to mingle with any other members of the community especially men as it is unaccepted. Since some business entrepreneurship entailed inter-cultural conflicts, there was no doubt that their performance in their business entrepreneurship will not do well. On asking how they managed running their enterprises in that very strict condition, they explained that family hardships have forced their men give them consent so that they could contribute to family earnings.

The situation in most of the Islamic families is not the same as in non-Islamic families. No matter which class or religion Islamic women belong to; their situation relative to men is one of systemic subordination determined by patriarchal forces.

Cultural norms and actual practices related to women’s status and role vary widely and are sometimes highly contradictory. Additional subordination of women derives from restrictions on spatial mobility. Women are not often permitted to move around freely in some families: from early childhood they are not allowed to go out of their homes or meet with males independently.

The perception that women’s role is to submit to their men was misconceived in the society and this negatively affected the performance of women small and medium enterprises.

4.3 Sources of funding as a factor of performance

On sources of funding, this study was conducted to seek the effect of funding in women small and medium enterprises.

Table 4.9: Respondents Sources of funding

Source: Primary Data

From the table, most respondents 44(40.4%) mentioned personal funding, 38(34.9%) said loans and only 27(24.8%) indicated family funding. which in most cases, is not enough for starting or running a business. This is most probably because majority indicated that they did not get external support, like loans from financial institutions as they lacked proper documentation and could therefore not access the funds. However, the least percentage of 24.8 indicated they got funding from family sources, a barrier to women small and medium enterprises.

The study sought to find out the working capital for the business enterprise and findings were as shown in the table below.

Table 4.10: Working capital for running an enterprise

Source: Primary Data

From table above, The lowest number of respondents was 2 translating to 1.8%. However for those who responded it is indicated that majority marked by 79 people translating to 72.5% indicated that their working capital range was above 400,000. Finances is paramount in business activities, and from the above table, there is a clear indication that it acts as a strong barrier to success of women small and medium enterprises.

Table 4.11: Challenges faced in relation to finance

Source: Primary Data

From table above, majority of respondents (81.7%) strongly agree financial difficulties, 18.3% of them agree. Since the majority of the respondents were positive implies that financial difficulties are one of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in relation to finance.

Results also show that most (56%) of the respondents strongly agree with insufficient goods to sell, 39.4% of the respondents agree and only 0.9% disagree. From findings majority were positive on insufficient goods to sell.

Table also indicates that a majority of the respondents (64.2%) strongly agree with insufficient market for the goods.

The study also identified the measures employed to minimise the challenges faced in relation to finance. Results were obtained and are presented below;

Table 4.12: Measures

Source: Primary Data

Further analysis of the study findings on the measures, 69.7% of the study respondents strongly agreed with got additional capital while the 30.3% of the respondents agreed implying that additional capital is a strategy to improve performance of women enterprises.

Also, most respondents (76.1%) strongly disagreed with increase the range of goods while 10.1% of the respondents disagree. This implies that increase the range of goods does not improve the performance of women enterprises.

Finally, majority of the respondents (100%) agreed that initiating marketing drives can improve the performance of women enterprises in relation to finance.

4.4 Effect of entrepreneurship training

Table 4.13 Training in business entrepreneurship

Source: Primary Data

From the table above, most of the respondents 71(65.1%) mentioned that they did not have any profession training in business entrepreneurship. Only 38(34.9%) of the respondents mentioned that they had.

About professional training, a big percentage had no professional training, a limitation in the success of small and medium enterprises and also an indicator of a likelihood of collapse of women small and medium enterprises.

The respondents were of the view that there should be deeper trainings on women small and medium entrepreneurs as compared to male ones so as to lay a strong foundation on women small and medium entrepreneurs.

Further analysis of the study findings on the type of records kept for those who reported to have kept business records revealed that financial records were the most preferred types of records as shown below.

Table 4.14: Record keeping issues

Source: Primary Data

Further analysis of the study findings on the type of records kept for those who reported to have kept business records revealed that financial records were the most preferred types of records as shown above.

Table 4.15: How record keeping skills were acquired

Source: Primary Data

From the above table, 50.5% responded to have received skills from past experience, while 49.5% respondent to have received skills from family members. This proportion of respondents could indicate those who reported their business to be family owned and thus experience was passed from one family member to the other to ensure that the business was sustained.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

The major findings in this study are summarized; conclusions drawn based on the findings and recommendations made alongside recommendation for further studies following the limitations of the study.

5.2 Summary of findings

The major economic factors affecting women small and medium entrepreneurs are limited financial access, as a result of high interest rates on loans as well as demand of collateral security by financial institutions. Financial support from family as well as personal savings was not adequate to support women small and medium enterprises.

The major cultural factors affecting the respondent women small and medium entrepreneurs are conflicting gender roles, social acceptability and view of women in the society, where they are seen as more of housewives, this is changing with time.

Educational training is seen as a key factor as those enterprises run by women with limited education were on the verge of collapsing. Technology support, financial skills training and also marketing trainings are key areas which women small and medium entrepreneurs need to be well conversant with if they are to excel in their businesses.

5.3 Conclusion of the study

The study concludes that there was a thin margin between women participation in small and medium enterprises and the government strategies in implementing business policies since both of them had similar characteristics and involved a muscled effort in sustaining success in women small and medium enterprise projects

In order to achieve sustainable small and medium enterprises projects implemented within Nakawa division, there has to be a correlation and a chain of connectivity of various aspects and indicators. This study rules out that women’s participation in small and medium enterprises, government strategies in implementing policies set to maneuver small and medium enterprises projects and communities’ role in supporting women’s success in business world could simply be interlinked to ensure that there was sustainability of women small and medium projects within Nakawa division.

The study confirmed that the women have fewer business contacts, less knowledge on how to deal with sustain and expand their businesses through innovation, all of which limit further growth. Since most women small and medium entrepreneurs are not members of professional organizations or part of other networks, they often find it difficult to access information. Most existing networks are male dominated and difficult for women to access. From the findings, the poor networking among women was as result of poor feasibility studies and also low confidence among them.

5.4 Recommendations

The study findings made the following recommendations;

There was need to increase access to vocational and technical training for women in Nakawa. It has been proven that women from the majority in entrepreneurship development and thus empowering women with more education and skills through technical and vocational skills could be develop a strong foundation on the business development.

Increased access to financial services for women small and medium enterprises could be critical for economic empowerment. This could include improving levels of savings, access to credit and insurance services of small and medium enterprises owned by women. There was also need to link up the women entrepreneurs with successful micro-finance institutions that provide small loans for women to start a business on their own.

There is need for women to increase their business contacts, add more knowledge of how to deal with the governmental bureaucracy and less bargaining power in order to increase growth and performance. Since most women enterprises operate on a small scale, and are generally not members of professional organizations or part of other networks, they often find it difficult to access information. There was need to increase women-only or women-majority networks where a woman could enter, gain confidence and move further. Increased networks also give women a chance of awareness and exposure to good role models. Strong networking will grow women small and medium entrepreneurs socially mentally and economically hence success and sustainability.

There is need to tap in to new markets required expertise, knowledge and contacts. Women often lack access to training, and experience on how to participate in the market place and are therefore unable to market goods and services strategically. There was need to advocate for women engagement in marketing of their entrepreneurship products to take on both the production and marketing of their goods. In addition, they should be exposed to the international market and therefore gain knowledge about what is internationally acceptable. They should be exposed to the outside world in order to beat the fear or face prejudice that may restrict their ability to travel to make contacts.

Women small and medium entrepreneurs in general need to be sensitized to understand the need for project planning, monitoring and implementation at all levels. An involvement of all stakeholders in small and medium enterprises simply meant a road to success to women small and medium entrepreneurs. In an effort to sustainably implement small and medium enterprises beyond their timelines, there seem to be a need for a comprehensive strategy that will incorporate all actors in development. This could therefore mean that all the implementing agencies, government bodies, private sector and community are all involved at once right from the beginning to the end.

The government strategies in implementing entrepreneurship strategies ought to be simple, community friendly and involving at all stages. More often, the government handles projects single handedly without the involvement of stakeholders and thus the community good will goes missing thus leading to collapse of women small and medium enterprises.

5.5 Suggested areas for further research

Further research need to be carried out to establish the role of technical and vocational education training in enhancing the performance of women small and medium entrepreneurs.

The role played by the financial institutions in enhancing the performance of women entrepreneurs.

The involvement of all key parties like the government and financial institutions in ensuring the success of women small and medium enterprises in Uganda.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNARE

My name is Aol Caroline Gifty, a student pursuing a Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Economics of Kyambogo University. I am conducting a pure academic research to develop a framework to establish the factors influencing the performance of women small and medium enterprises in Uganda. Therefore, you have been selected to participate in the study and your voluntary participation is highly appreciated. Data gathered shall be kept with utmost confidentiality for academic purposes and probably the betterment of our education system. Therefore I request to offer a helping hand by either ticking or filling in the space provided.

SECTION A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

(Please tick)

(1) Gender?

Male                                                  Female

(2) Age group?

19-24               25-29               30-34               35-39               39 and above

(3) Academic qualification?

None                                                   Certificate

Diploma                                              Masters

Any other please specify …………………………………………

(4). Marital Status

Single                                                  Married

Divorced                                             Separated

Others, please specify ……………………………….

(5). Responsibility in the organization?

Manager                      Accountant                 Support Staff

Others (specify) ……. …………..

(6). How long have you worked in this area?

0-4                     5-9                             10-14                           14 and above

SECTION B: EFFECTS OF CULTURAL PRACTICES

6. (a). Does culture restrict you from engaging in business?

Yes                              No

(b). If yes, outline any three ways in which culture restrict you from engaging in business?

• (i). ……………………………………
• (ii). ……………………………………
• (iii). ……………………………………

7. (a) Do home chores interfere with the performance of your business?

Yes                              No

(b). If yes, outline any three ways?

• (i). ……………………………………..
• (ii). ……………………………………..
• (iii). ……………………………………..

8. (a). Does the community have cultural perceptions on women regarding their small and medium enterprises?

Yes                              No

(b). If yes, please list any three of these perceptions

1. i) …………………………
2. ii) …………………………

• iii) …………………………

9. Kindly highlight atleast three known cultural challenges that undermine performance of women small and medium enterprises

• (i). …………………………
• (ii). …………………………
• (iii). …………………………

SECTION C: EFFECTS OF SOURCES OF FUNDING

10. Where is the source of funding for your business?

Loans                                                  Family funding

Personal funding                                  Others Specify ……………………….

11. What is the working capital for the business enterprise per month?

Less than Ush 100,000                       Ush 100,0001-150,000

Ush 150,001-200,000                         Ush 200,001-400,000

Above 400,000

12. Did you fund your business or you had an alternative source of finding

Yes                              No

If no, please explain ……………………………………….

(b). And if yes, kindly indicate the challenges you face in relation to finance? Please tick (√) the appropriate alternative where SA-strongly agree, A- agree, NS- Not Sure, SD-strongly disagree D-disagree

13. What repercussion measures have you taken for the business enterprise to run smoothly? Please tick (√) where SA-strongly agree, A- agree, NS- Not Sure, SD-strongly disagree D-disagree

SECTION D: EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURHIP TRAINING

14. Do you have any professional training in business entrepreneurship?

Yes                              No

(b). If yes, what kind of professional training?

• (i). …………………………
• (ii). …………………………
• (iii). …………………………

(c) Outline any three ways, how it has improved the performance of your business?

• (i). …………………………
• (ii). …………………………
• (iii). …………………………

15. Do you keep records in your business?

Yes                              No

16. What type of records do you keep? Please tick (√) the appropriate alternative where SA-strongly agree, A- agree, NS- Not Sure, SD-strongly disagree D-disagree

17. Where did you acquire skills for record keeping?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME