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Digitalization and entrepreneur’s gender: Evidence for Spanish SMEs in the service and retail sectors

Author

Listed:
  • Alfonso Expósito

    (University of Málaga, Spain)

  • Amparo Sanchis-Llopis

    (University of Valencia and ERICES, Spain)

  • Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis

    (University of Valencia and ERICES, Spain)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the entrepreneur’s gender on digitalization strategies undertaken by SMEs in the service and retail sectors. Specifically, we aim at testing how the gender of the entrepreneur may affect investment in software and equipment related to information and communication technologies (ICT). We use a sample of 1,041 Spanish businesses and estimate a bivariate probit model for these two decisions, controlling for other entrepreneurial and business characteristics. Results indicate a higher probability of male entrepreneurs to invest in software and ICT equipment, as compared to women. Furthermore, we find that entrepreneurial risk-taking and business’ innovation capabilities are important drivers for engaging in these two digitalisation strategies, regardless of the gender of the entrepreneur, and that entrepreneurial proactiveness is especially important for women entrepreneurs, since the positive impact of entrepreneurial proactiveness on the probability to engage in digitalisation strategies is stronger in women-led businesses. This study provides new empirical evidence on the role of entrepreneur’s gender in SMEs regarding their digitalisation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfonso Expósito & Amparo Sanchis-Llopis & Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis, 2022. "Digitalization and entrepreneur’s gender: Evidence for Spanish SMEs in the service and retail sectors," Working Papers 2211, Department of Applied Economics II, Universidad de Valencia.
    • Handle: RePEc:eec:wpaper:2211
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender of entrepreneur; small and medium-enterprises; digitalisation strategies; information and communication technologies; bivariate probit model.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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