Introduction
A current research conducted by business professionals around the globe has indicated a rise in the proportion of women participating, in the international business. As compared to the low percentage of women, current statistics have reported a tremendous rise, and is currently at 45% (Hodge).
This is still low when compared to the proportion of men involved, in international business. Therefore, this paper aims at identifying key factors contributing to the low representation of women, in the international business. In addition to the identification of such factors, it is also necessary to examine some factors that have resulted to a rise in the proportion of women involved in international business (Punnett 12).
Barriers to international business
The report obtained after interviewing men and women showed that they encountered diverse challenges. A research conducted on the same in Australia depicted that women encounter more barriers, as opposed to men. Therefore, the different challenges encountered by the two distinct groups’ accounts for the widening gap in their international business participation (Punnett 13). Amongst the hurdles to women, expansion in business is that, they are risk indisposed.
Thus, such a trait impedes them from venturing into businesses having massive risks. In many scenarios, women engage in small business, whose risk is minimal. Moreover, women entrepreneurs face the challenge of work-home conflict because of their entitlement to many responsibilities at home (Hodge). Consequently, they lack adequate time dedicated towards the expansion of their business.
In many cases, women view men as the only people who ought to hold the power networks, which include partaking in international business. Therefore, the majority of them remain in the casual sector, which does not allow one to grow (Mitchel 35). Additionally, women entrepreneurs have been complaining of inadequate training opportunities. Studies have indicated the need for one to undergo some training in order to remain equipped with the necessary expertise, which enhances the international business participation (Hodge).
Since the majority of women entrepreneurs are not acquainted with such skills, they end engaging themselves in informal businesses. The cultural prejudice depicted by diverse states around the globe has earnestly contributed to low participation of women in international business. Numerous international countries have depicted the undisputed confidence in their fellow women entrepreneurs to represent them in international business meetings (Punnett 17).
However, they fear sending them to such meetings, especially in regions, where men dominates. In such regions, it is evident that their cultures do not permit women to hold powerful business positions. It is perceptible that, in such a case, a woman representative will not possess the power to contribute on issues of interest. In addition to the different cultural beliefs, there have been reports of sexual discrimination (Fielden 16).
Factors contributing increased participation
However, researches conducted recently have depicted a change in women representation, in the international business. The numerous contributing factors towards the change are a boost in interest currently portrayed by women entrepreneurs (Punnett 18). Their continued interest has highly enabled the majority to undergo some training thus acquiring necessary skills.
In addition to depicting an interest in international business assignments, some governments have formulated laws that encourage women participation. Some formulated laws also champions for an equal opportunity for both gender, thus the rise in participation (Fielden 17).
Conclusion
It is perceptible on the existence of numerous barriers to a woman’s international business participation. The document has discussed a few of them in an effort to explain the representation of women in international business. Different cultural and gender differences played a significant part on the low representation. However, recent studies have indicated a rise on women in international business due to laws, which discourage gender differences.
Works Cited
Fielden, Sandra. International research handbook on successful women entrepreneurs. Massachusetts, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010. Print.
Hodge, Sheida. Success strategies for women in international business. 2011. Web.
Mitchel, Charles. A short course in international business culture. California, CA: World Trade Press, 2000. Print.
Punnett, Betty. International Perspectives on Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. New York, NY: M.E. Sharpe, 2009. Print.