COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL-CULTURAL DICHOTOMY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF WOMEN OWNED MICRO ENTERPRISES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to examine the relationship between social-cultural factors and performance of women entrepreneurs within the context of a developing country.  The study specifically investigate whether socio-cultural variables significantly predicts performance. This is a correlational study whereby survey was done on a total sample size of 400 women micro-business randomly selected across the selected business line (saloon, restaurant, school proprietress, and retailer, seamstress) in the 20 L.G A selected among the population of 3,224,324 micro enterprises in Lagos state. The analysis was done using 180 returned questionnaires. The data gathered were analysed using Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis. The result shows that religion, skill/education and social values have negative effect on women entrepreneurial performance while social roles, social custom and social norms have positive effect on women entrepreneurial performance. The study therefore, suggests that there is need to change those socio-cultures variables that bring glass ceiling among women. Change is difficult but is constant. This can be achieved through the establishment of socio-cultural orientation and change agencies that can design and implement relevant and effective values reengineering and reorientation programmes through promulgating laws and enforcing it using government agencies.