Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

The Role of Factors Affecting the Development of Rural Women’s Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Tourism Economy (A Case Study: Kandovan Village)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Ali Hassani
Fatemeh Khadem
Department of Tourism management, Faculty of Tourism, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jer.2023.2013241.1056
Abstract
The decline of traditional economic activities in rural areas, particularly natural resources-based economies such as agriculture, has posed significant economic recession challenges in these regions. In this context, promoting entrepreneurship with a tourism-oriented approach can play a pivotal role in improving the income and economic conditions of rural residents. As an influential group in rural communities, women play a vital role in these developments. This research aimed to identify factors influencing the development of women’s entrepreneurship in the sustainable economy of rural tourism in Kendovan village. The research was conducted as a descriptive study. The research design was based on the mixed-methods research approach, and the sample included 16 female entrepreneurs in Kendovan village selected non-randomly. Data and scenarios were analyzed using the fuzzy cognitive mapping technique, and the research model was designed by social network analysis. Factors underpinning the development of women’s entrepreneurship in a sustainable tourism economy included intention and motivation for tourism entrepreneurship, financial support for rural tourism entrepreneurship, and an increase in opportunities for tourism entrepreneurship, which had higher centrality. Based on the results, recommendations have been proposed for developing rural women’s entrepreneurship in the sustainable tourism economy of Kendovan village. These recommendations involve initiatives to encourage intention and motivation for entrepreneurship, financial support for rural tourism activities, and the creation of more opportunities in the field of tourism entrepreneurship for women.
Keywords
Entrepreneurship Development
Rural Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Economy
Women’s Entrepreneurship

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 10 October 2023
  • Revise Date 04 December 2023
  • Accept Date 05 December 2023