Carter and Marlow (2021) conducted a study to examine the impact of gendered entrepreneurial

competencies on the performance of women-owned small enterprises in the United Kingdom.

The study specifically investigated how competencies such as networking, innovation, and

financial management influenced business success. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data

was collected through surveys and in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of 200 women

entrepreneurs. The findings revealed that these competencies played a crucial role in enhancing

business performance. However, systemic gender biases significantly hindered women

entrepreneurs' access to essential resources, thereby limiting their business growth.

A major gap identified in the study was the lack of contextual research on how specific

entrepreneurial competencies interact with cultural norms to shape business performance. This

gap highlights the need for further exploration in different economic and cultural settings,

particularly in Kenya, where opportunity-seeking competencies may function differently due to

unique socio-economic conditions. Additionally, the study's reliance on a general survey design

without sectoral differentiation or longitudinal analysis presented a methodological limitation.

This gap underscores the necessity of focusing on sector-specific entrepreneurial competencies

and their long-term impact on Kenya’s business environment.

The study was anchored in Gender Role Theory, which provided a framework for analyzing how

societal expectations influence women’s entrepreneurial performance. An interpretivist paradigm

guided the qualitative aspects of the study, while post-positivism informed the quantitative

analysis. The target population consisted of women entrepreneurs operating small enterprises

across the UK. For data analysis, thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while

regression analysis was employed for quantitative data. By examining the influence of
networking, innovation, and financial management on business success, the study highlighted

both the potential of these competencies and the systemic barriers that limit their full application

(Carter & Marlow, 2021).

Perez and Gómez (2022) conducted a study to examine the role of innovation competencies in

the scalability of women-led startups in Spain. The study specifically analyzed how creativity

and adaptability, as key innovation competencies, influenced business growth. Utilizing a

longitudinal quantitative research design, data was collected from 150 startups over three years

through structured questionnaires. The findings demonstrated that innovation competencies

significantly contributed to the scalability of startups. However, the study also identified critical

barriers, including limited mentorship opportunities and persistent gender stereotypes, which

restricted women entrepreneurs from fully leveraging their innovative potential.

A major gap in the study was the lack of qualitative insights into the challenges women face in

adopting innovation. This limitation emphasized the need for research that incorporates

qualitative methods to provide a deeper understanding of these barriers. Consequently, the

current study in Kenya adopts a mixed-methods approach to capture both statistical trends and

personal experiences regarding innovation and leadership competencies. Additionally, Perez and

Gómez (2022) highlighted the necessity of further exploration into the role of public policies in

supporting women entrepreneurs. This insight informs the focus on mentorship and policy

interventions in the Kenyan context, where structural and cultural dynamics may shape

innovation adoption differently.

The study was grounded in the Innovation Diffusion Theory, which provided a framework for

understanding how new ideas and technologies spread within entrepreneurial environments. A
positivist research philosophy guided the study, ensuring an objective and systematic

examination of data. Using stratified sampling, 150 startups were selected, and multivariate

regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between innovation competencies

and business scalability. The findings underscored the critical role of creativity and adaptability

in startup growth while reinforcing the importance of mentorship and supportive policies in

overcoming gender-based barriers in entrepreneurship (Perez & Gómez, 2022).

Johnson and Lee (2023) conducted a study to assess the influence of digital competencies on the

performance of women entrepreneurs operating in technology-driven industries in South Korea.

The study specifically examined how technical skills and digital marketing competencies

contributed to entrepreneurial success. Utilizing a longitudinal research design, data was

collected from 120 women entrepreneurs over five years through online surveys and interviews.

The findings indicated that digital competencies were a major determinant of business

performance, as they enabled entrepreneurs to enhance operational efficiency, market reach, and

innovation. However, the study also highlighted a significant barrier: the underrepresentation of

women in technical training programs, which restricted their ability to fully leverage digital tools

for business growth.

A critical gap identified in the study was the exclusion of comparative analyses across different

industries, limiting the generalizability of the findings beyond the technology sector. This gap

underscores the need for further research in diverse economic contexts, such as Kenya, where

digital skills adoption and resource mobilization vary significantly across sectors. Consequently,

the present study in Kenya aims to explore sector-specific differences in entrepreneurial

industries.

The study was grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, which provided a

framework for understanding how digital competencies serve as strategic assets that contribute to

competitive advantage. A pragmatist research philosophy guided the study, integrating both

qualitative and quantitative insights to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Convenience sampling

was employed to select 120 women entrepreneurs, and data analysis was conducted using

descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. By identifying the critical role of digital

competencies while highlighting the structural barriers limiting their adoption, the study offers

valuable insights into the importance of digital skills development for female entrepreneurs

(Johnson & Lee, 2023).

Brown and Martinez (2020) conducted a study to evaluate the relationship between leadership

competencies and the growth of women-owned businesses in Canada. The research specifically

examined how competencies such as decision-making and team management influenced

entrepreneurial success. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study collected data through

semi-structured interviews with 40 women entrepreneurs, selected using purposive sampling.

The findings highlighted that leadership competencies played a crucial role in enhancing

business performance, as effective decision-making and strong team management contributed to

organizational stability and growth.

A significant gap identified in the study was the limited understanding of emotional intelligence

in leadership among women entrepreneurs. This gap underscores the need for further research on

leadership strategies, particularly in the Kenyan context, where socio-cultural factors may shape
entrepreneurial leadership styles differently. Additionally, the study’s reliance on a small sample

size and the absence of quantitative data limited the generalizability of the findings. Addressing

this methodological gap, the present study in Kenya adopts a mixed-methods approach with a

larger sample to provide a more comprehensive understanding of leadership competencies in

entrepreneurship.

The study was anchored in Transformational Leadership Theory, which provided a framework

for analyzing how leadership styles influence entrepreneurial performance. A constructivist

research philosophy guided the study, emphasizing the subjective experiences and perspectives

of women entrepreneurs. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, which offered

insights into how leadership competencies contribute to business success. By identifying

decision-making and team management as essential leadership competencies while recognizing

the need for further exploration of emotional intelligence, the study provides a foundation for

examining leadership strategies in diverse entrepreneurial contexts. Furthermore, the study’s

findings inform ongoing research on the role of leadership in fostering sustainable business

growth, particularly in emerging economies like Kenya (Brown & Martinez, 2020).

Wang and Zhang (2023) conducted a study to explore how cultural values shape entrepreneurial

competencies and influence business performance among women entrepreneurs in China. The

research specifically examined how collectivist cultural norms affected networking and

teamwork competencies, which are critical for business success. Utilizing a case study approach,

the study focused on ten women entrepreneurs operating in urban areas, with data collected

through observations and interviews. The findings revealed that cultural values such as

collectivism fostered strong networking and teamwork skills, enabling entrepreneurs to build
collaborative business relationships. However, hierarchical cultural structures also influenced

business decision-making, often reinforcing traditional gender roles in entrepreneurship.

A key gap identified in the study was its exclusive focus on urban entrepreneurs, which

overlooked the experiences of rural women entrepreneurs. This limitation highlights the need for

comparative research that considers the diverse socio-cultural dynamics affecting

entrepreneurship in both urban and rural settings. Addressing this gap, the present study in

Kenya aims to examine how cultural values shape entrepreneurial competencies across different

regions, considering the mediating role of legal and regulatory frameworks. By incorporating

both urban and rural perspectives, the study seeks to provide a more comprehensive

understanding of the relationship between culture and entrepreneurship.

The study was grounded in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, which provided a

framework for analyzing how cultural values such as collectivism and hierarchy influence

entrepreneurial behavior. An interpretivist research philosophy guided the study, emphasizing

the subjective experiences of women entrepreneurs in navigating socio-cultural influences. Data

analysis was conducted through narrative analysis, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the

ways in which cultural values shape business practices. By identifying the impact of collectivism

and hierarchy on entrepreneurial competencies, the study underscores the need for further

research on the interplay between cultural norms and business performance in different socio-

economic contexts (Wang & Zhang, 2023).

Mensah and Boateng (2022) conducted a study to examine the effect of financial management

competencies on the performance of women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

in Ghana. The study specifically focused on financial planning and budgeting as key
competencies influencing business growth. Using a quantitative research design, data were

collected through a structured survey administered to 200 women entrepreneurs in Accra,

selected through stratified sampling. The findings indicated that financial planning competencies

were positively correlated with SME performance, as effective budgeting and resource allocation

contributed to business stability and expansion. However, the study highlighted a critical barrier

—limited access to credit—which constrained business growth and sustainability.

A key gap identified in the study was its reliance on self-reported data, which posed a risk of

response bias and limited the objectivity of the findings. This gap underscores the need for future

research to incorporate objective financial performance measures alongside self-reports.

Additionally, the study recommended further exploration of policy frameworks to enhance

financial accessibility for women entrepreneurs. This recommendation has informed the present

study in Kenya, which examines financial management competencies about the country’s

financial landscape, particularly focusing on resource mobilization strategies and institutional

support mechanisms.

The study was anchored in Financial Capability Theory, which provided a framework for

understanding how financial knowledge, skills, and external support contribute to business

success. A positivist research philosophy guided the study, emphasizing measurable financial

outcomes and statistical analysis. Correlation and regression analyses were employed to examine

the relationship between financial management competencies and SME performance. By

identifying financial planning and budgeting as critical competencies while recognizing the

challenges of credit accessibility, the study provides a foundation for assessing financial

strategies among women entrepreneurs in diverse economic contexts. Furthermore, these

entrepreneurial success, particularly in emerging economies such as Kenya (Mensah & Boateng,

2022).

Abebe and Bekele (2021) conducted a study to examine the interplay between entrepreneurial

resilience and competencies in the performance of women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. The

research specifically explored how resilience enhanced key entrepreneurial competencies, such

as adaptability and problem-solving, and their impact on business success. Utilizing a mixed-

methods research design, the study combined survey data with insights from focus group

discussions. A total of 150 women entrepreneurs were selected through random sampling,

ensuring a diverse representation of business experiences. The findings revealed that resilience

significantly amplified the effects of problem-solving and adaptability, enabling entrepreneurs to

navigate business challenges effectively.

Despite its contributions, the study identified key gaps, particularly the limited exploration of

sector-specific entrepreneurial competencies. This limitation highlighted the need for a deeper

analysis of opportunity-seeking competencies and their sectoral variations, which informed the

present study in Kenya. Additionally, the study did not account for the moderating role of

institutional factors such as legal and regulatory frameworks, which are critical in shaping

entrepreneurial resilience and competencies. Addressing this gap, the Kenyan study incorporates

an analysis of institutional support mechanisms as a mediating variable.

The study was grounded in Resilience Theory, which provided a conceptual framework for

understanding how resilience interacts with entrepreneurial competencies to enhance business

performance. A pragmatic research philosophy guided the study, integrating both qualitative and
quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Thematic

analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data from focus group discussions, while

statistical analysis was used to examine patterns in survey responses. By demonstrating the

critical role of resilience in reinforcing problem-solving and adaptability, the study contributes to

the broader discourse on entrepreneurial competencies. Moreover, its findings emphasize the

importance of sector-specific analyses, a key consideration for future research in different

economic contexts, including Kenya (Abebe & Bekele, 2021).

Olayemi and Adewale (2023) conducted a study to examine the influence of marketing

competencies on the performance of women-owned businesses in Nigeria. The research

specifically investigated how competencies such as digital marketing and customer relationship

management contributed to business growth and sustainability. Employing a quantitative

research design, the study surveyed 300 women entrepreneurs across Lagos State, selected

through random sampling. The findings highlighted that digital marketing skills were essential

for business performance, as they enhanced market reach and customer engagement. However, a

major challenge identified was the limited access to affordable digital marketing tools, which

hindered the effective utilization of these competencies among women entrepreneurs.

Despite these insights, the study had notable limitations. It did not account for the role of

technological competencies in marketing, particularly in leveraging digital platforms for business

growth. This gap underscores the need for further research on technological interventions, which

the present study in Kenya integrates under the themes of innovation and resource mobilization.

By addressing this gap, the Kenyan study aims to explore how access to digital tools and

technological advancements can enhance marketing competencies among women entrepreneurs.

lens for understanding how marketing competencies drive business success. A positivist research

philosophy guided the study, emphasizing objective measurements and statistical analysis.

Regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between marketing competencies

and business performance, offering empirical evidence of their significance. By demonstrating

the critical role of digital marketing skills while highlighting the challenges of accessibility, the

study provides a foundation for further research on technological interventions in marketing.

These findings inform the Kenyan study’s focus on the intersection of marketing competencies,

technological innovation, and resource mobilization to enhance entrepreneurial performance in

diverse business environments (Olayemi & Adewale, 2023).

Nyirenda and Banda (2022) explored the role of social capital in enhancing entrepreneurial

competencies among women entrepreneurs in Zambia. Their study focused on how networks and

partnerships facilitated access to markets, financial resources, and business opportunities. Using

a qualitative research design, they conducted in-depth interviews with 50 women entrepreneurs

selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicated that social networks played a

crucial role in supporting business growth by providing market linkages and access to critical

resources. However, the study identified a significant gap in formal institutional support for

women entrepreneurs, which limited the full benefits of social capital in fostering business

success (Nyirenda & Banda, 2022).

A key limitation of the study was its exclusive reliance on qualitative data, which restricted the

generalizability of the findings. To address this gap, the present study in Kenya adopts a mixed-

methods approach, integrating qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to provide a more
comprehensive understanding of social capital's role in entrepreneurship. Additionally, while

Nyirenda and Banda (2022) focused primarily on informal networks, the Kenyan study extends

their findings by examining institutional frameworks and networking practices. This broader

perspective offers insight into the structural factors influencing entrepreneurial success.

Anchored in Social Capital Theory and guided by a constructivist research philosophy, the study

contributes to the ongoing discourse on how social relationships and institutional support

systems shape business performance in diverse entrepreneurial contexts.

Habonimana and Ndayizeye (2021) examined the impact of innovation adoption competencies

on the entrepreneurial performance of women entrepreneurs in Burundi. Their study, based on

case studies of 20 women entrepreneurs, explored how the adoption of technological tools and

innovative business practices influenced business growth. The findings revealed that women who

embraced innovation experienced higher business growth rates, highlighting the critical role of

innovation adoption in enhancing entrepreneurial success. However, the study identified a gap in

the inclusivity of innovation systems, emphasizing the need for more structured and accessible

innovation frameworks to support women entrepreneurs (Habonimana & Ndayizeye, 2021).

A key limitation of the study was its lack of focus on the role of policy in facilitating innovation

adoption. To address this, the Kenyan study expands on their findings by examining the

mediating role of legal and regulatory frameworks in innovation adoption among women

entrepreneurs. While Habonimana and Ndayizeye (2021) primarily focused on individual

entrepreneurs' experiences, the Kenyan study adopts a broader approach by analyzing how

institutional support, resource availability, and policy interventions shape innovation adoption.

Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and following a pragmatic research philosophy,
the study utilizes both interviews and observations to gain deeper insights into how innovation

influences business performance in diverse entrepreneurial settings.

Kamau and Wanjiru (2023) investigated the impact of networking competencies on the

performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) among women entrepreneurs in Nairobi.

Their study, which employed a quantitative approach involving a survey of 250 women

entrepreneurs, found that networking competencies significantly improved market access and

business performance. However, the research also highlighted key barriers that hindered

effective networking, such as cultural norms and time constraints, which limited women's ability

to establish and maintain professional relationships. These findings underscored the need for

targeted interventions to address these challenges and enhance women's networking capabilities

(Kamau & Wanjiru, 2023).

A major gap in the study was its lack of qualitative insights into the specific challenges women

face in networking. While the research effectively demonstrated the statistical relationship

between networking competencies and business performance, it did not explore the underlying

social and structural barriers in depth. To bridge this gap, the Kenyan study expands the scope by

integrating qualitative methods to capture a more nuanced understanding of these challenges.

Grounded in Social Network Theory and guided by a pragmatic research philosophy, this study

adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from

in-depth interviews. By examining the interplay between networking barriers and business

success, the research provides a more comprehensive perspective on how women entrepreneurs

in Kenya can leverage networking for sustainable growth.