Work-Life Interface of Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide qualitative insights into work-life interface of Pakistani women entrepreneurs that recognizes the unique socio-cultural barriers to women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. It also examines the strategies opted by entrepreneurs to manage various work-life conflicts. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews with 50 women entrepreneurs in fashion industry; these were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically through QSR Nvivo 10. Our study finds that women entrepreneurs experience work-life conflict and facilitation, such that work-life interface is multidimensional. Along with time management techniques and flexible work arrangements, Pakistani women entrepreneurs utilize social capital to cope with work-life conflict. More importantly, women entrepreneurs tend to establish “hired help” for their work in home and business vicinities. Moreover, women entrepreneurs also obtain an array of marital, social and psychological resources from family that provide benefit for their businesses, which contributes to their business success positively. The study reports that work-to-family facilitation helps in strengthening the bond with family members by the proliferation of the family’s well-being. The results also indicate the multi-dimensional nature of the work-life interface. This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on the nexus between gender and entrepreneurship. The findings of this study provide insights that can enhance the success of ventures by females by providing a clear and better understanding of the barriers and coping strategies.