The Relationship between Owner Characteristics, Company Size, and the Work–Family Culture and Policies of Women‐Owned Businesses¹

1 The authors thank Garry Bruton for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.

Abstract

Women become business owners for a variety of reasons; however, the impact of motivations for ownership on the culture and policies of the business is unclear. Extending the small business, entrepreneurship, and work–family (WF) conflict literatures, we examined whether woman owners shape the culture and policies of the organization to be consistent with their personal motivations, challenges, and family status. Results show that being a full‐time manager, marital status, and motivation for becoming a business owner were related to the WF culture of the business. Business size and parental status predicted family‐friendly policies. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

1 The authors thank Garry Bruton for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.

1 The authors thank Garry Bruton for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.

Notes

1 The authors thank Garry Bruton for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cheryl L. Adkins

Cheryl L. Adkins is a Professor in the College of Business and Economics, Longwood University.

Steven A. Samaras

Steven A. Samaras is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce & Business, Rhodes College.

Sally W. Gilfillan

Sally W. Gilfillan is an Associate Professor, recently retired from the College of Business and Economics, Longwood University.

Wayne E. Mcwee

Wayne E. McWee is a Professor of Business Administration at Longwood University.