Barriers To Women’s Entrepreneurial Success In Malaysian Micro Smes: A Social Capital Perspective
Abstract
This study examines the barriers to women’s entrepreneurial success in microonline businesses using social capital theory as its guiding framework. Drawing on qualitative methods, it delves into women’s lived experiences and the strategies they employed to advance their ventures in the digital marketplace. Through in-depth interviews supported by narrative and interpretive analytical techniques, the research uncovers how various forms of social capital enable female entrepreneurs to confront obstacles and pursue sustainable success. The findings highlight the interconnected roles of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in cultivating trust, expanding professional networks, and obtaining critical resources. Bonding social capital, grounded in intimate personal ties, supplies emotional reinforcement and early business legitimacy. Bridging social capital, developed through wider connections, supports access to new markets and facilitates the exchange of knowledge. Linking social capital, built through relationships with institutions, opens pathways to financial support, mentorship, and digital tools. Collectively, these dimensions empower women to navigate gender-specific barriers, strengthen resilience, and leverage opportunities in an evolving online economy. The study enriches ongoing conversations on gender, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, offering practical insights for stakeholders committed to fostering inclusive environments that elevate women’s entrepreneurial potential.
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Publication Date
01 September 2026
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eBook ISBN
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Publisher
European Publisher
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-
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Edition Number
1st Edition
Pages
1-1
Subjects
Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Communication, Law and Governance
Cite this article as:
Abdul Razak*, N., Ishak, N., Abdul Razak, N., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2026). Barriers To Women’s Entrepreneurial Success In Malaysian Micro Smes: A Social Capital Perspective. In Y. Naoyuki, A. Peng Hwa, & J. Matthes (Eds.), GLY-Upcoming Volume: Innovating Together: The Convergence of Management, Communication, and The Digital Transformation, vol -. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 0-0). European Publisher. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2026.09.28