Learning pathways of necessity and opportunity-driven women entrepreneurs: a qualitative study

PurposeThis paper aims to provide insights into the learning approaches of necessity (NEC)-driven and opportunity (OPP) driven women entrepreneurs (WEs) in the Indian context. It investigates the various pathways small business owners use to acquire knowledge and develop competencies. Additionally, it examines the potential differences between the two groups to better understand their learning processes. This understanding, particularly from the perspective of an emerging nation, can inform policymakers, WE organizations, NGOs and families in creating a supportive environment that fosters positive and effective learning experiences for WEs.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research study using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 micro, small and medium enterprises entrepreneurs in the state of Karnataka, India. Thematic analysis was used to draw out the themes from the rich textual data collected using the computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) tool, ATLAS.ti 23.FindingsThematic analysis identified four major themes, namely, routinized learning, learning through critical experiences, self-driven mechanisms and learning from others. The findings reveal that NEC and OPP women entrepreneurs do not greatly differ in their pathways to learning except for some minor dissimilarities.Originality/valueThis study provides a unique viewpoint on the learning mechanisms of women entrepreneurs in small businesses in the context of an emerging economy. It additionally deliberates on the similarities and differences among NEC and OPP motivated WEs, where studies are rare.