A configurational approach to understanding gender differences in entrepreneurial activity: a fuzzy set analysis of 40 countries

This paper explores entrepreneurial activity for men and women across 40 countries. Building on research grounded in social cognitive and institutional theories, we propose a configurational approach to explore how effects of different causal conditions are interdependent in explaining gender specific entrepreneurial activity. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, we find that no one causal element is sufficient for promoting entrepreneurial activity. Instead micro-level attributes of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and opportunity recognition in combination with macro-level business environment formal institutions and national culture create configurations of conditions that lead to high levels of entrepreneurial activity amongst men and women. Moreover, the causal factors configure in different ways for male and female entrepreneurs. This study demonstrates the value of using a configurational analytical technique to explore together the micro- and macro- complexities of what drives men and women around the world to engage in entrepreneurial activity.