Bridging the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship: A Cross-National Analysis of Cultural and Perceptual Determinants

Abstract

This study examines the persistent gender gap in entrepreneurship endeavour by integrating individual entrepreneurial perceptions with national cultural dimensions across 41 countries. It addresses a high demand for a context-sensitive understanding of how cultural biases and institutional settings influence gendered entrepreneurial patterns. On the grounds of employing HAC-corrected Ordinary Least Squares regression for a cross-national dataset, the analysis quantifies connections between early-stage entrepreneurial activity, as measured by the female-to-male Total Entrepreneurial Activity ratio, and crucial perceptual variables alongside Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions.The results indicate that a greater perception of entrepreneurial opportunities correlates with a more equal gender balance. Conversely, high status recognition of successful entrepreneurs and hierarchical cultural values such as power distance significantly inhibit female participation. Interestingly, while uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation play persuasive roles in shaping gender inequality, the effects of individualism and masculinity diverge from prior academic literature, revealing unexpected or context-specific dynamics. These findings enhance social role theory in the field of research on entrepreneurship by demonstrating that structural cultural mechanisms are primary barriers to achieving gender parity, even when individual attitudes are supportive. For policymakers, the results suggest that achieving gender equality in entrepreneurship (SDG 5) necessitates not only targeted economic interventions but also comprehensive institutional reforms that challenge the existing cultural status quo and promote future-oriented, risk-tolerant attitudes. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence and nuanced insights into the interplay between entrepreneurial behaviour and national culture in narrowing the gender gap.