Gender Dynamics Of Small And Medium Family Business In Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Success of family business and economic development may be impacted by gender dynamics. The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of gender dynamics of family business in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically the study sought to identify gender roles in family businesses, determine gender related factors influencing success of family businesses and analyze the attitudes of men and women in managing the family businesses. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the wards and respondents involved in the study. Four wards from Morogoro municipality were selected and a total number of 138 respondents were chosen. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to compute the respondent’s characteristics and gender roles. Ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the gender related factors influencing success of family business. Likert scale analysis was used to measure the attitudes of men and women towards managing the family business. The study found that gender roles like ownership, decision making and control of business were identified and mostly dominated by men. Women were found to dominate in the selling and record keeping. Findings from ordinal logistic regression revealed that age of the owner, traditionally women supporting role, difference of experience and traditionally undervaluing of women were statistically significant on influencing changes in success of family business (p < 0.05). Findings from the likert scale showed that most of respondents had positive attitudes towards gender differences in managing the family business. The study concludes that gender inequality exist in family businesses and affects the success of family business by creating inadequate cooperation of the family members to the business which leads to inappropriate decisions and practices toward the business. The study recommends that the Local Government Authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations, gender activist and traditional leaders

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should promote more education to the community, individual businessmen and women through workshops and trainings to promote more knowledge on gender equity and equality in family businesses and to insist equal opportunities for both men and women to participate in businesses and contribute to its success as family businesses are vital for development.