Scale development for measuring the inclusiveness of entrepreneurship among women

Saranya Senthilnathan; Chandrasekar Kaliyaperumal

doi:10.38043/revenue.v7i1.7502

Authors

Saranya Senthilnathan Alagappa Institute of Management, Alagappa University.
Chandrasekar Kaliyaperumal Alagappa Institute of Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38043/revenue.v7i1.7502

Keywords:

Entrepreneurial Development, Financial Inclusion, Government Schemes, Inclusiveness, Technological Empowerment, Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This study developed and validated a comprehensive measurement scale to assess inclusiveness in women’s entrepreneurship with a focus on marginalized and rural communities in Tamil Nadu. Drawing on the Capability Approach and Institutional Theory, it used a rigorous two-phase methodology involving extensive literature review and empirical validation with data from 376 women entrepreneurs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified four core dimensions of inclusiveness: financial, technological, managerial, and marketing inclusion. The final measurement model demonstrated strong internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity across all dimensions. Notably, technological and marketing inclusion were the most influential factors, highlighting the pivotal roles of digital access and market connectivity in sustaining women-led enterprises. This validated scale serves as a diagnostic tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to evaluate entrepreneurial programs and formulate targeted, inclusive interventions. By operationalizing inclusiveness comprehensively in the context of women’s entrepreneurship, the study fills a critical literature gap and provides an empirically sound instrument applicable in developing country contexts. It enhances understanding of the impact of government schemes on women entrepreneurs and supports the design of gender-responsive and regionally inclusive economic policies to foster entrepreneurship growth and socio-economic development in Tamil Nadu.

Author Biographies

Saranya Senthilnathan, Alagappa Institute of Management, Alagappa University.

Dr. S. Saranya is currently pursuing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Management Studies at Alagappa University, funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), a premier institution known for promoting and supporting social science research in India. Her research journey began as a Research Fellow in the RUSI Project at Alagappa University, after which she pursued her Ph.D. under the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship, highlighting the strength and relevance of her research proposals. She has made significant contributions to management sciences, with a focus on women entrepreneurship and financial management. Her work has been widely published in reputed journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC-Care, with over 35 research articles across diverse domains of management, reflecting her broad expertise. She has also completed more than 15 Faculty Development and Research Methodology programs, presented in 20+ conferences and seminars, and serves as a reviewer for reputed journals which recognized in her Web of Science Researcher profile. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Saranya has accumulated seven years of combined industry, academic, and research experience.

Chandrasekar Kaliyaperumal, Alagappa Institute of Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamilnadu, India.

Dr. K. Chandrasekar is Professor cum Placement Officer at the Alagappa Institute of Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi. With over 24 years of teaching and 16 years of research experience, he specializes in entrepreneurship, sustainable development, human resource management, and technology integration in business operations. He has enriched academia through the delivery of diverse courses and by organizing numerous national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. He has supervised 19 Ph.D. scholars, 18 M.Phil. students, and 173 MBA dissertations, alongside carrying out funded research projects supported by ICSSR, UGC, RUSA, and the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department. His research work includes over 120 publications in Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC-CARE indexed journals, as well as authored several books and book chapters. He was recognized with the Vallal Alagappar Appreciation Award (2018), and actively contributes to professional bodies such as the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology and the Indian Society for Technical Education.

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