Gender Differences in Business Performance: Evidence from the Characteristics of Business Owners Survey

52 Pages Posted: 6 Oct 2008

See all articles by Robert W. Fairlie

Robert W. Fairlie

UCLA; National Bureau of Economic Research

Alicia Robb

University of Colorado at Boulder; Next Wave Impact; Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

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Abstract

Using confidential microdata from the U.S. Census Bureau, we investigate the performance of female-owned businesses making comparisons to male-owned businesses. Using regression estimates and a decomposition technique, we explore the role that human capital, especially through prior work experience, and financial capital play in contributing to why female-owned businesses have lower survival rates, profits, employment and sales. We find that female-owned businesses are less successful than male-owned businesses because they have less startup capital, and business human capital acquired through prior work experience in a similar business and prior work experience in family business. We also find some evidence that female-owned businesses work fewer hours and may have different preferences for the goals of their business.

Keywords: female entrepreneurship, business outcomes

JEL Classification: J15, L26

Suggested Citation

Fairlie, Robert W. and Robb, Alicia, Gender Differences in Business Performance: Evidence from the Characteristics of Business Owners Survey. IZA Discussion Paper No. 3718, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1278918 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1278918

Robert W. Fairlie (Contact Author)

UCLA ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research ( email )

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Cambridge, MA 02138
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HOME PAGE: http://www.nber.org/people/robert_fairlie?page=1&perPage=50

Alicia Robb

University of Colorado at Boulder ( email )

Leeds Business School
Boulder, CO 80309
United States

Next Wave Impact ( email )

7455 Park Lane Road
Longmount, CO 80503
United States

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

1000 Peachtree Street N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309-4470
United States

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