Abstract
This thesis explores the lived experience of women entrepreneurs and their experience of mentoring. The findings can help in improving the content of entrepreneurial start up programmes which have often included mentoring as part of the menu of support.Drawing on entrepreneurship theory as well as influential papers on rural entrepreneurship, gender and entrepreneurship and mentoring, the thesis explores the experience of women entrepreneurs in the South Hams, a rural area in Devon.
The individual chapters contribute to knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship and gender, related to the concept of rural context.
The research is based on an interpretive methodology. Data collection consisted of 24 interviews with women entrepreneurs and 6 interviews with their mentors.
Initial data analysis, was carried out using the Gioia et al. (2000) template, although this was later re-examined using Braun and Clarke’s (2012) thematic analysis.
Insights were related to the nature of entrepreneurship practised by women, the changing nature of the rural context exacerbated by the pandemic, and the elements of successful mentoring relationships.
A first-person narrative is employed in the reflective sections of the thesis to show the journey of the researcher. As a result, the thesis also shows the lived experience of working through the MPhil process.
| Date of Award | 28 Jun 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Mairi Maclean (Supervisor) & Nancy Harding (Supervisor) |