Understanding Female Entrepreneurs: Attitudinal Dimensions and Levels of Engagement

Abstract

Despite the growing body of research on female entrepreneurship, previous studies have predominantly focused on individual attitudinal variables rather than on their underlying structure in the context of business venture creation. This study aims to identify latent dimensions of entrepreneurial attitudes and to examine how these dimensions vary among non-entrepreneurs, individuals with entrepreneurial intentions, and active entrepreneurs. Using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Adult Population Survey data from Hungary (2021–2024), the analysis is based on a representative sample of 4,080 women. An exploratory Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify underlying attitudinal dimensions. Subsequently, factor scores were compared across (1) non-entrepreneurs, (2) individuals with entrepreneurial intentions, and (3) entrepreneurs using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results reveal four latent factors – risk aversion, entrepreneurial environment perception, entrepreneurial self-perception, and perceived readiness – which explain 60.39% of the total variance. Significant differences are observed across the analysed groups, with non-entrepreneurs exhibiting higher risk aversion and lower levels of entrepreneurial self-perception and readiness. These findings highlight the relevance of examining attitudinal structures in understanding differences in entrepreneurial engagement among women. The results suggest that targeted interventions – particularly those aimed at reducing risk aversion and strengthening perceived capabilities – may support the development of entrepreneurial potential.