Abstract:
Entrepreneur success research suffers from a lack of consistency in defining the scope of
non-work (life outside work). Considering the evolving life preferences of modern
women entrepreneurs, entrepreneur success researchers should have a broader view of life
which expands beyond work-family and include other non-work domains of life. This
study is an attempt to establish that for today’s women entrepreneurs. For this study,
several non-work domains were identified from previous literature. The research was
based on primary data and the data were collected through 160 women entrepreneurs
selected using a stratified sampling method and convenience sampling method by
distributing self-administrated questionnaires. To validate research objectives, 10 women
entrepreneurs out of 160 were selected who have achieved success in their business. Data
were analyzed using descriptive analysis, structural equation modeling, and thematic
analysis. Results indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between nonwork roles (marital role, parental role, community involvement, leisure activities, and
religious involvement) and the success of women's owned SMEs. Findings further
revealed that the women entrepreneurs were satisfied with the existing level of non-work
roles participation in Sri Lanka. Women entrepreneurs identified family support, personal
factors, and quality employee base as supportive factors for engaging and balancing their
non-work roles. Hence women entrepreneurs also should focus on non-work roles as
same as work roles in attaining success. This study provides an insight into future
researches, policymakers, and academics to a novel direction of the curriculum.
Keywords: SMEs success, Non-work roles, Women entrepreneurs
