Abstract
Software entrepreneurship continues to be perceived as a sector dominated by men. Research points to key differences in the motivations to engage in entrepreneurship, stressing the significance of gender. Through a qualitative analysis approach, this research seeks to identify factors that influence women’s decisions to pursue a career in software entrepreneurship in India and Ireland. Both countries rank highly as technology startup hotspots with rapidly growing women founder communities. This research undertakes a thematic analysis of six semi-structured interviews with women entrepreneurs from India and Ireland revealing the two main themes of barriers and tactics. Six major barriers include gender stereotypes, confidence, male-dominated sector, family expectation, age, and power dynamics. Nine tactics emerge including building confidence, owning personal autonomy, family support and background, mentors, feminist mindset, educational impact, utilising specific skills, government policies, and flexibility in gendered roles. This study uncovers similarities and differences that merit further research.
Recommended Citation
Singh, Aditi; Heavin, Ciara; and O'Flaherty, Brian, "Factors Infuencing The Career Decisions Of Women Software Entrepreneurs: Perspectives From India and Ireland" (2024). UK Academy for Information Systems Conference Proceedings 2024. 24.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ukais2024/24