Critical Success Factors Used by Women Solopreneurs to Sustain Their Businesses During a Crisis
Date of Conferral
10-16-2023
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Gwendolyn Dooley
Abstract
The unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic revealed that many women-owned, solo businesses were unprepared for a crisis, as few had enough savings to replenish lost income. Women's solo businesses were among the most financially impacted during the COVID-19 event, and some did not survive the crisis. Grounded in critical success factor (CSF) theory, the purpose of this qualitative interpretative descriptive study was to explore strategies that six women solopreneurs used to sustain their businesses successfully during a crisis. The data collected from semistructured interviews were thematically analyzed, resulting in three primary themes: individual characteristics, internal business environment, and structural business. A primary recommendation for solopreneurs is to develop a communication and financial management plan to remain operational during any unforeseen crisis. The implications for positive social change include the potential to increase opportunities for women to employ local citizens and invest in economic and community development.
Recommended Citation
Petrovich, Liesha K., "Critical Success Factors Used by Women Solopreneurs to Sustain Their Businesses During a Crisis" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14982.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14982
