Abstract

There is a well-studied disparity in entrepreneurial outcomes linked to gender. These studies have sought to understand what contributes to the inequality of opportunity that has disadvantaged women and created a gender gap. This gender gap affects the likelihood and amount of equity investment that entrepreneurs will receive. Though what is less known and under-analyzed is the effect that entrepreneurial startup organizations (ESOs) have on gender and the outcomes of entrepreneurs. Although both men and women have the capacity to display various degrees of masculinity and femininity, males are more likely to be associated with masculinity. Because of this association and implicit bias, ESOs tend to privilege men more than women due to traits of masculinity being valued in leadership roles that benefit males. This research involves semi-structured interviews of entrepreneurs and leaders of entrepreneurial startup organizations that were transcribed and coded to gauge the awareness surrounding the gendered nature of entrepreneurship. This research illustrates the ways implicit bias and the ideas of masculinity play a role in the segregation and integration of entrepreneurs. Further, this research highlights the denial and/or lack of awareness of the gender disparity by entrepreneurs and leaders of ESOs in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

How to Cite