Gendered drivers of entrepreneurial intentions: Evidence from South Africa using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data

Background: Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic activity, yet persistent gender gaps in entrepreneurial intentions lead to unequal participation between men and women in the economy. Aim: This study examines the role of key factors in shaping entrepreneurial intentions among men and women in South Africa. Setting: Cross-sectional data from the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Adult Population Survey. Methods: Data comprised of responses from 1475 men and 1516 women. A logistic regression model was employed to test the predictive relationships between demographic, perceptual and contextual factors and entrepreneurial intentions across genders. Results: Results indicate that age, self-efficacy and knowledge of entrepreneurs significantly predict entrepreneurial intentions for both men and women. However, fear of failure significantly deters women but has no statistically significant effect among men, highlighting a gender-specific psychological constraint. Conclusion: The study identifies the primary drivers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and points out where gender-sensitive interventions may be useful. Contribution: This study provides a comprehensive examination of gendered factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions in the South African context, using a broad sample.