A Qualitative Phenomenological Study on the Multiplier Effects of Women Entrepreneurship within an Integrated Conceptual Framework

Purpose – Women entrepreneurship is an emerging field with several unanswered questions. This study investigates the integrated framework encompassing both work and non-work factors, and its multiplier effects, specifically on work-life balance (WLB) and entrepreneurial well-being (EWB), which remain largely underexplored Research methodology – A phenomenological qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected through 18 semi-structured interviews, reaching saturation. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract main and sub-themes that illustrate the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs. Findings – The study reveals that women entrepreneurs primarily conceptualize EWB through the lens of hedonic well-being, neglecting its eudaimonic dimension. The findings highlight that integrated work and non-work factors collectively influence EWB, with non-work elements such as family, spouse, children, and social support playing a dominant role. WLB is shown to stem from familial support and balance between domestic and business responsibilities. Research limitations – The research is limited to a specific cultural and geographic context, which may restrict generalizability. Future research could apply mixed methods or cross-cultural comparisons. Practical implications – The results underscore the need for family-inclusive policies and support systems that enhance women’s entrepreneurial outcomes and well-being. Originality/Value – This study adds value by introducing a context-specific, integrated framework of women entrepreneurship and EWB, advancing theoretical and empirical understanding of multiplier effects