Female-Owned Firms in Latin America: Characteristics, Performance, and Obstacles to Growth

28 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Miriam Bruhn

Miriam Bruhn

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Date Written: November 1, 2009

Abstract

This paper examines the characteristics and performance of female-owned firms in Latin America. Data from firm surveys show that female-owned firms tend to be smaller than male-owned firms in terms of employees, sales, costs, and physical capital. Female-owned firms also have lower profits than male-owned firms, but for larger firms this difference disappears after controlling for labor and capital inputs. Medium-size and large female-owned firms are as productive as male-owned firms of the same size, although micro and small female-owned firms are less productive than male-owned firms. There is no evidence that the differences between female and male-owned firms are due to differences in access to finance or regulatory burdens. However, this paper finds a negative correlation between child care and household obligations and female-owned firm size and performance.

Suggested Citation

Bruhn, Miriam, Female-Owned Firms in Latin America: Characteristics, Performance, and Obstacles to Growth (November 1, 2009). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5122, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1503816

Miriam Bruhn (Contact Author)

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H. Street, N.W.
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Washington, DC 20433
United States

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