Abstract

This study is generated in pursuit of emerging global need to optimize economic growth through women technopreneurship development. The direct effect of psychological capital and indirect effect through innovative capability was envisaged for assessment of sustainable growth of women-owned technoprises in Malaysia. For survey, convenience sampling technique was employed to collect data from 150 women owned technoprises (SMEs) in Johor Bahru. Findings from hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed positive and significant relationship of risk propensity and internal locus of control with innovation capability and sustainable growth. However, paradoxical results regarding women entrepreneurs’ need for achievement and self-efficacy were established. Nevertheless, no mediating role of innovative capability was found. Policy implications and future research re- commendations are also discussed.

Keywords:

Innovative capability, psychological capital, SMEs, sustainable growth, women-owned technoprises,

References

1. Abdullah, S. and L. Ahcene, 2011. The understanding of Technology entrepreneurship according to Shariyah principles. Proceeding of International Conference on Business and Economics Research. Singapore.
   
2. Adler, P.S. and A. Shenbar, 1990. Adapting your technological base: The organizational challenge. Sloan. Manage. Rev., 25: 25-37.
   
3. Alam, S.S., 2011. Entrepreneur's traits and firm innovation capability: An empirical study in Malaysia. Asian J. Tech. Inn., 19(1): 53-66.
   CrossRef    
4. Alam, S.S., M.F.M. Jani and N.A. Omar, 2011. An empirical study of success factors of women entrepreneurs in southern region in Malaysia. Int. J. Econ. Financ., 3(2): 166-175.
   CrossRef    
5. Arasti, Z., S.M.S. Panahi, B. Zarei and S.O. Rezaee, 2012. A qualitative study on individual factors affecting Iranian women. Int. Bus. Res., 5(3): 81-90.
   CrossRef    
6. Ariff, M. and S.Y. Abu Bakar, 2003. Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, Kuala Lumpur.
   PMCid:PMC3557117    
7. Babalola, S.S., 2009. Women entrepreneurial innovative behavior: The role of psychological capital. Int. J. Bus. Manag., 4(11): 184-192.
   CrossRef    
8. Babalola, S., 2010. An integrative model of individual predisposition and contextual factors of high-tech entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. IFE Psychologia, 18(2).
   
9. Bandura, A., 1997. Self-efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman, New York.
   
10. Baum, J.R. and E.A. Locke, 2004. The relationship of entrepreneurial traits, skill and motivation to subsequent venture growth. J. App. Psychol., 89(4): 587-598.
    CrossRef    PMid:15327346    
11. Baum, J., E. Locke and K. Smith, 2001. A multidimensional model of venture growth. Acad. Manage. J., 44(2): 292-303.
    CrossRef    
12. Berry, M.J. and J.H. Taggart, 1998. Combining technology and corporate strategy in small high-tech firms. Res. Policy, 26: 883-895.
    CrossRef    
13. Bodlaj, M., G. Coenders and V. Zabkar, 2012. Responsive and proactive market orientation and innovation success under market and technological turbulence. J. Bus. Econ. Manag., 13(4): 666-687.
    CrossRef    
14. Bowen, D.D. and R.D. Hisrich, 1986. The female entrepreneur: A career development perspective. Acad. Manage. Rev., 11: 393-407.
    CrossRef    
15. Bradley, D.E. and J.A. Roberts, 2004. Self-employment and job satisfaction: Investigating the role of self-efficacy, depression and seniority. J. Small Bus. Manage., 42(1): 37-58.
    
16. Bratkovic, T., B. Antoncic and M. Ruzzier, 2012. Relationships between networking, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and firm growth: The case of Slovenian companies. Ekon. Istraž.: Znanstveno-Strucni Casopis, 25(1): 73-87.
    CrossRef    
17. Brindley, C., 2005. Barriers to women achieving their entrepreneurial potential: Women and risk. Int. J. Ent. Bus. Res., 11(2): 144-161.
    CrossRef    
18. Brockhaus, R.H., 1980. Risk taking propensity of entrepreneurs. Acad. Manage. J., 23(3): 509-520.
    CrossRef    
19. Brockhaus, R.H. and P.S. Horowitz, 1986. The Psychology of the Entrepreneur. In: Kent, C., D. Sexton and R.W. Smilor (Eds.), the Art and Science of Entrepreneurship. Ballinger Publishing, Cambridge, MA.
    
20. Bruderl, J. and P. Preisendorfer, 2000. Fast growing businesses: Empirical evidence from a German study. Int. J. Sociol., 30(3): 45-70.
    CrossRef    
21. Brush, C.G., 1992. Research on women business owners: Past trends, future directions and a new perspective. Entrep. Theory Pract., 16(4): 5-30.
    
22. Brush, C.D., A.D. Bruin and F. Welter, 2009. A gender-aware framework for women's entrepreneurship. Int. J. Gender Entrepreneurship, 1(1): 8-28.
    CrossRef    
23. Brush, C.G., N.M. Carter and E.J. Gatewood, 2006. Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs and their Businesses. Edward Elgar Publishing, Northampton, MA.
    CrossRef    
24. Burgelman, R.A., C.M. Christensen and S.C. Wheelwright, 2004. Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation. 4th Edn., McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York.
    
25. Chung, J.T., 1998. Risk reduction in public accounting ?rms: are women more effective? Int. Rev. W.L., 4(1): 39-45.
    
26. Cliff, J.E., 1998. Does one size fit all? Exploring the relationship between attitudes towards growth, gender and business size. J. Bus. Venturing, 13: 523-542.
    CrossRef    
27. Cropley, A.J. and D. Cropley, 2009. Fostering Creativity: A Diagnostic Approach for Higher Education and Organizations. Hampton Press Inc., Cresskill, NJ, ISBN No: 978-157273-889-8.
    PMCid:PMC2651807    
28. Dakhli, M. and D.D. Clercq, 2004. Human capital, social capital and innovation: A multi-country study. Entrep. Region. Dev., 16(2): 107-128.
    CrossRef    
29. Danchev, A., 2006. Social capital and sustainable behavior of the firm. Ind. Manage. Data Syst., 106(7): 953-965.
    CrossRef    
30. Davidsson, P., 1989. Need for achievement and entrepreneurial activity in small firms. Theo. Dec. L., 11: 47-64.
    CrossRef    
31. Davidsson, P., 1991. Continued entrepreneurship: Ability, need and opportunity as determinants of small firm growth. J. Bus. Venturing, 6(6): 405-429.
    CrossRef    
32. D'Cruz, N.K., 2003. Constraints on Women Entrepreneurship Development in Kerala: An Analysis of Familial, Social and Psychological Dimension. Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
    
33. Du Reitz, A. and M. Henrekson, 2000. Testing the female underperformance hypothesis. Small Bus. Econ., 14(1): 1-10.
    CrossRef    
34. Dzisi, S., 2008. Entrepreneurial activities of indigenous African women: A case of Ghana. J. Enterp. Commun., 2(3): 254-264.
    CrossRef    
35. Entrialgo, M., E. FernaÂndez and C.J. VaÂzquez, 2000. Psychological characteristics and process: The role of entrepreneurship in Spanish SMEs. Eur. J. Innov. Manage., 3(3): 137-149.
    CrossRef    
36. Foo, C., L. Wai and T. Lang, 2006. The mind of a technopreneuress: Differentiating the self-leading, entrepreneurial from custodial, managerial female. Technovation, 269(2): 175-184.
    CrossRef    
37. Forbes, D.P., 2005. The effects of strategic decision making on entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Entrep. Theory Pract., 29(5): 599-626.
    CrossRef    
38. Francis, D. and J. Bessant, 2005. Targeting innovation and implications for capability development. Technovation, 25: 171-183.
    CrossRef    
39. Fuad, N. and A.M. Bohari, 2011. Malay women entrepreneurs in the small and medium sized ICT-related business: A study on need for achievement. Int. J. Bus. Soc. Sci., 2(13): 272-278.
    
40. Fuad, N., A.M. Bohari and C.W. Hin, 2011. Women entrepreneurs in the ICT-related business in Malaysia: A demographic survey. Int. J. Bus. Manage., 6(10): 127-137.
    CrossRef    
41. Guan, J.C. and N. Ma, 2003. Innovative capability and export performance of Chinese firms. Technovation, 23(9): 737-747.
    CrossRef    
42. Guler, K.B. and M.Y. Tinar, 2009. Measuring the entrepreneurial level of the businessmen: The relationship between personal traits and entrepreneurial level. Ege. Acad. Rev., 9(1): 95-111.
    
43. Hamel, G. and C.K. Prahalad, 1994. Competing for the Future. Harvard University Press, Boston.
    
44. Hart, D.M., 2003. Knowledge, Power and Entrepreneurs: A First Pass at the Politics of Entrepreneurship Policy. In: Hart, D.M. (Ed.), the Emergence of Entrepreneurship Policy. Cambridge University Press, New York: pp: 227-239.
    
45. Hashi, I. and B.A. Krasniqi, 2011. Entrepreneurship and SME growth: Evidence from advanced and laggard transition economies. Int. J. Entrep. Behav. Res., 17(5): 456-487.
    CrossRef    
46. Hisrich, R.D., 1990. Entrepreneurship/entrepreneur ship. Am. Psychol., 45(2): 209-222.
    CrossRef    
47. Hmieleski, K.M. and R.A. Baron, 2008. When does entrepreneurial self-efficacy enhance versus reduce firm performance? Strategic. Entrep. J., 2: 57-72.
    CrossRef    
48. Idris, A., 2008. Hofstede's masculinity: Can it explain women's entrepreneurial innovativeness? Sarjana, 23: 23-37.
    
49. Idris, A., 2009. Management styles and innovation in women-owned enterprises. Afr. J. Bus. Manag., 3(9): 416-425.
    
50. Idris, A., 2011. Uncertainty avoidance and innovative differences in a multiethnic society: A female perspective. Asian J. Soc. Sci., 39(3): 275- 295.
    CrossRef    
51. Jeffery, M. and M. Rana, 2008. Driving Growth, Profitability and Efficiency through IT. Kellogg Technology Network (KTN) Spring Summit White Paper, Kellogg School of Management, April 29-30.
    
52. Jonash, R.S., 2005. Driving sustainable growth and innovation: pathways to high performance leadership. Handbook Bus. Strat., 6(1): 197-202.
    CrossRef    
53. Karagouni, G. and I. Papadopoulos, 2007. The impact of technological innovation capabilities on the competitiveness of a mature industry. Manage. Int. Bus. Econ. Syst., 1(1): 17-34.
    
54. Killgore, W.D., N.L. Grugle and D.B. Killgore, 2010. Sex differences in self-reported risk-taking propensity on the evaluation of risks scale. Psych. Rep., 106(3): 693-700.
    CrossRef    PMid:20712157    
55. Kirkwood, J., 2009. Is a lack of self-confidence hindering women entrepreneurs? Int. J. Gender Entrep., 1(2): 118-133.
    CrossRef    
56. Kirton, M.J., 1989. A Theory of Cognitive Style. In: Kirton, M.J. (Ed.), Adaptors and Innovators. Styles of Creativity and Problem-Solving London, Routledge, pp: 1-36.
    
57. Kumar, R. and C. Uzkurt, 2010. Investigating the effects of self efficacy on innovativeness and the moderating impact of cultural dimensions. J. Int. Bus. Cult. Stud., 4(1): 1-15.
    
58. Kundu, S.C. and S. Rani, 2007. Human resources self-esteem across gender and categories: A study. Ind. Manage. Data Syst., 107(9): 1366-1390.
    CrossRef    
59. Laforet, S., 2008. Size, strategic and market orientation affects on innovation. J. Bus. Res., 61: 753-764.
    CrossRef    
60. Lawson, B. and D. Samson, 2001. Developing innovation capability in organizations: A dynamic capabilities approach. Int. J. Innov. Manage., 5(3): 377-400.
    CrossRef    
61. Lawton, S., 2010. Connecting with women entrepreneurs: equality or business imperative? Int. J. Gender Entrep., 2(3): 291-294.
    CrossRef    
62. Lee, R., 2009. Social capital and business and management: Setting a research agenda. Int. J. Manage. Rev., 11(3): 247-273.
    CrossRef    
63. Lee, J.S. and C.J. Hsieh, 2010. A research in relating entrepreneurship, marketing capability, innovative capability and sustained competitive advantage. J. Bus. Econ. Res., 8-9: 109-120.
    CrossRef    
64. Liang, L.W., K.H. Shih and Y.H. Chung, 2010. Financing instruments and strategies of agribusiness: Evidence from Taiwan. Afr. J. Bus. Manage., 4(3): 320-332.
    
65. Manolova, T.S., C.G. Brush, L.F. Edelman and K.G. Shaver, 2012. One size does not fit all: Entrepreneurial expectancies and growth intentions of US women and men nascent entrepreneurs. Entrep. Region Dev. Int. J., 24(1-2): 7-27.
    CrossRef    
66. Masood, R.Z., 2011. Emergence of women owned businesses in India-an insight. J. Art. Sci. Commun., 2(1): 233-243.
    
67. Mat, I.E.N. and R.C. Razak, 2011. Attributes, environment factors and women entrepreneurial activity: A literature review. Asian Soc. Sci., 7(9): 124-130.
    
68. Matilde, R., F. Maria del Mar and M.B. Ana, 2012. Innovativeness and performance in women-owned small firms: The role of knowledge acquisition. J. S. Bus. Entr., 25(3).
    
69. McClelland, D.C., 1961. The Achieving Society. Van Nostrand, Princeton, NJ.
    CrossRef    PMCid:PMC2482370    
70. Morris, M.H., N.N. Miyasaki and C.E. Watters, 2006. The dilemma of growth: Understanding venture size choices of women entrepreneurs. J. Small Bus. Manage., 44(2): 221-244.
    
71. Nasser, K., W. Rashid and R. Nuseibeh, 2009. Factors that affect women entrepreneurs: Evidence from an emerging economy. Int. J. Org. Anal., 17(3): 225-247.
    CrossRef    
72. Ndubisi, N.O., 2005. Effects of perceptions and personal traits on computer technology adoption by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. J. Asia Entrep. Sust., 1(1): 1-23.
    
73. Ndubisi, N.O., 2007. Evaluating the direct and indirect impact of traits and perceptions on technology adoption by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Acad. Entr. J., 13(2): 1-20.
    
74. Ndubisi, N.O. and C. Kahraman, 2006. Malaysian women entrepreneurs: Understanding the ICT usage behavior and drivers. J. Ent. Inform. Manage., 18(6): 731-739.
    
75. Ng, B., V.G.R. Chandran and T. Kanagasundram, 2012. Technological knowledge, learning and linkages in the wooden furniture industry in Malaysia: A spatial innovation perspective. Asian J. Technol. Innov., 20(2): 187-200.
    CrossRef    
76. Nicholson, N., E. Soane, M. Fenton-O'Creevy and P. Willman, 2005. Personality and domain-specific risk taking. J.R. Res., 8(2): 157-176.
    CrossRef    
77. Othman, N.H. and S.B. Ishak, 2009. Attitude towards choosing a career in entrepreneurship amongst graduates. Eur. J. Soc. Sci., 10(3): 420-434.
    
78. Padnos, C., 2010. High Performance Entrepreneurs: Women in High-tech. (Accessed on: August 15, 2012).
    Direct Link
79. Prelazzi, D., 2009. Innovation & Commercialization: Rising to the Challenge through Business Acceleration Ecosystem. Working Paper, British Columbia Innovation Council.
    
80. Rauch, A. and M. Frese, 2000. Psychological Approaches to Entrepreneurial Success: A General Model and an Overview of Findings. In: Cooper, C.L. and I.T. Robertson (Eds.), International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Wiley, Chichester, pp: 101-142.
    
81. Roomi, M.A. and G. Parrot, 2008. Barriers to development and progression of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. J. Entrep, 17(1): 59-72.
    CrossRef    
82. Rose, R.C., N. Kumar and L.L. Yen, 2006. The dynamics of entrepreneurs' success factors in influencing venture growth. J. Asia Entrep. Sust., 11(3): 1-19.
    
83. Rotter, J.B., 1966. Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychol. Monogr., 80: 609.
    CrossRef    
84. Rush, H., J. Bessant and M. Hobday 2007. Assessing the technological capabilities of firms: Developing a policy tool. R&D Manage., 37(3): 221-236.
    CrossRef    
85. Salleh, F. and M.D. Ibrahim, 2011. Demographic characteristics differences of risk taking propensity among micro and small business owners in Malaysia. Int. J. Bus. Soc. Sci., 2(9): 149-153.
    
86. Seet, P., N.H. Ahmad and L. Seet, 2008. Singapore's female entrepreneurs-are they different? Int. J. Entrep. Small Bus., 5(3/4): 257-271.
    CrossRef    
87. Sexton, D.L., 1997. Entrepreneurship Research Needs and Issues. In: Sexton, D.L. and R.W. Smilor (Eds.), Entrepreneurship, 2000. Upstart Publishing Co., Chicago, IL, pp: 401-408.
    
88. Sexton, D. and N. Bowman-Upton, 1990. Female and male entrepreneurs: Psychological characteristics and their role in gender related discrimination. J. Bus. Venturing, 5(1): 29-36.
    CrossRef    
89. Stajkovic, A.D. and F. Luthans, 1998. Self-efficacy and work-related performance: A meta-analysis. Psychol. Bull., 124: 240-261.
    CrossRef    
90. Strohmeyer, R. and V. Tonoyan, 2008. Employment growth and firm innovativeness in women-and men-owned small firms in Germany: An Effect of Endowments? Proceeding of the Workshop Gender and the Labor Market at the ZEW Mannheim.
    
91. Subrahmanya, M.H.B., M. Mathirajan and K.N. Krishnaswamy, 2010. Importance of Technological Innovation for SME Growth: Evidence from India. Working Paper UNU-WIDER.
    
92. Tajeddini, K. and S.L. Mueller, 2009. Entrepreneurial characteristics in Switzerland and the UK: A comparative study of techno-entrepreneurs. J. Int. Entrep., 7: 1-25.
    CrossRef    
93. Tambunan, T.T.H., 2009. Women entrepreneurship in Asian developing countries: Their development and main constraints. J. Dev. Agric. Econ., 1(2): 27- 40.
    
94. Tambunan, T.T.H., 2011. Development of small and medium enterprises in a developing country: The Indonesian case. J. Enterp. Commun., 5(1): 68-82.
    CrossRef    
95. Teoh, W.M.Y. and S.C. Chong, 2008. Improving women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises in Malaysia: Policy recommendations. Comm. IBIMA, 2: 31-38.
    
96. Terziovski, M., 2009. Building innovation capability in organizations: An international cross case perspective. Ser. Tech. Manage., 3.
    
97. Tie-Jun, C. and C. Jin, 2006. Determinants of innovation capability in small and medium enterprises: An empirical analysis from China. Proceeding of IEEE International Engineering Management Conference, pp: 283-286.
    CrossRef    
98. Tierney, P. and S.M. Farmer, 2002. Creative self-efficacy: Potential antecedents and relationship to creative performance. Acad. Manage. J., 45: 1137-1148.
    CrossRef    
99. Tiexeria, A. and N. Fortuna, 2003. Human capital, innovation capability and economic growth in Portugal, 1960-2001. Port. Econ. J., 3(3): 205-225.
    
100. Timothy, J.G., 1997. Making Strategy Work: Building Sustainable Growth Capability. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
     
101. Trivedi, R.H., J.R. Savalia and J.D. Patel, 2009. Linking technoprenerial competence and education to business growth. Int. J. Technol., 2(2): 168-185.
     
102. Übius, U., R. Alas and T. Elenurm, 2013. Impact of innovation climate on individual and organizational level factors in Asia and Europe. J. Bus. Econ. Manag., 14(1): 1-21.
     CrossRef    
103. Uzkurt, C., R. Kumar and H.S. Kimzan, 2013. Role of innovation in the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance: A study of the banking sector in Turkey. Eur. J. Innov. Manage., 16(1): 92-117.
     CrossRef    
104. Waddel, F.T., 1983. Factors affecting choice, satisfaction and success in the female self-employed. J. Vocat. Behav., 23: 294-304.
     CrossRef    
105. Weerawardena, J., 2003. The role of marketing capability in innovation-based competitive strategy. J. Strategic. Market., 11: 15-35.
     CrossRef    
106. Yokakul, N., Z. Girma and P. Booth, 2011. The knowledge sphere, social capital and growth of indigenous knowledge-based SMEs in the Thaidessert industry. Sci. Pub. Policy, 38(1): 19-29.
     CrossRef    
107. Yu, Z. and W. Yanfei, 2009. The strategic role of innovative capabilities in the relationship among social capital, knowledge sharing and firm performance. Proceeding of International Conference on Management and Service Science (MASS '09), pp: 1-4.
     

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

Open Access Policy

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.