Women Entrepreneurship in a Muslim Environment

Abstract

Environmental barriers and socio-cultural constraints in Algeria as in all the MENA Region have hindered women entrepreneurs but—without doubt—motivated them to meet the challenges through the adoption of some innovative managerial practices. The culture of a male society is the source of several socio-cultural problems of women entrepreneurs in Algeria. The purpose of the chapter is to point out the impact of local culture influenced by Islam on women entrepreneurship in Algeria and in MENA Region in general. A field research was carried out using a questionnaire to investigate the impact of local culture on managerial practices of women entrepreneurs. Data from a sample of 65 women entrepreneurs were analyzed and results were discussed: the psychological characteristics, their managerial competences, and the socio-cultural constraints they meet in the Algerian environment. The women's abilities to face the different socio-cultural obstacles are outlined.