PhD Study : Effecting seismic change in gender equality in New Business Venturing: A stakeholder and policy analysis within Northern Ireland

Summary

The importance of engaging more females in new business venturing (NBV) and their potential to contribute to the economic growth of countries have been acknowledged as strategic imperatives for Governments worldwide (Rose Report 2020; Brush et al 2019). In the UK, however, recent research has questioned the efficacy of policies encouraging and supporting greater gender equality in NBV (FSB, 2020).

Despite decades of rhetoric promoting the importance of encouraging and supporting more females into NBV, evidence across the UK suggests no significant increase in their preferences to do so, (Harrison et al, 2020; HM Treasury, 2019). GEM (2018) research for Northern Ireland (NI), which measures the propensity of individuals to behave entrepreneurially, given social, cultural and economic conditions, highlights the fact that, across NI, female ‘total early-stage entrepreneurship’, (TEA), has consistently remained a third of that of men. It would appear that policy designed ostensibly to nurture greater equally in entrepreneurial NBV activity to encourage more females persistently remains unfulfilled.

Two fundamental questions arising are ‘why are ambitions set out in policies, over decades, with respect to encouraging greater equality with respect to NBV remained unfulfilled? How might policies be reformulated to really impact the numbers of women with intentions to start their own business ventures? There is currently no coherent research that critically examines the role of policy in effecting real, seismic change in this area.

The aim of this research therefore is to critically examine the engagement of stakeholders and policymakers in effecting real, seismic change with respect to gender equality in NBV in NI. The proposed research is underpinned by three theoretical perspectives. The first, entrepreneurial intentions (EI) seeks to understand the factors that affect female behaviours and decisions with respect to NBV, including attitudes, beliefs, motivations and perceptions (Krueger, 2017; Bird, 1988). The second, liberal feminist theory, argues that female NBV is low as a result of discrimination at institutional and policy levels, which if removed would suggest higher engagement in NBV by females, (Fischer et al., 1993). The third, preference theory, recognises fundamental differences between male’s and female’s preferences, especially in employment and family responsibilities (Hakim, 2000). Preference theory suggests that it is preferences that impact engagement levels in NBV.

To progress the research it will be essential to engage with key decision makers within public bodies involved in the formulation of policy designed to encourage greater entrepreneurial behaviour in NI, to gain insights into motivations and expectations with respect to women in NBV. It will also be critical to engage a population of women to explore their intentions with respect to NBV and the impact of policy on their choices.

The proposed research has the potential to make a significant impact on the development and implementation of polices focusing on female entrepreneurship in NBV. Indeed, more effective policy development has the potential to add £120 billion to the UK economy if more females can be persuaded and supported to engage in NBV at levels commensurate with their male counterparts (Rose 2020; HM Treasury, 2019).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living