Abstract
Entrepreneurship is a fundamental force in economic progress, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic resilience. However, significant gender disparities exist in entrepreneurial activity worldwide, with men consistently demonstrating higher entrepreneurial intentions than women (Kelley et al., 2021; Bosma et al., 2020). While prior research has explored individual and psychological factors behind this gap, there remains a need for deeper institutional and cultural analysis. This study seeks to examine formal (policy, education, funding access) and informal (cultural norms, gender expectations) institutional influences on entrepreneurial intentions across genders.
Using Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) scales (Lumpkin & Dess, 1996; Bolton & Lane, 2012) and structured surveys, this study will compare entrepreneurial motivations in Hong Kong and the UK—two economies with contrasting institutional structures and cultural values. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions provide a theoretical framework for assessing how attitudes towards risk-taking, autonomy, and competitiveness influence entrepreneurial ambition. Data will be gathered from MBA students and early-career professionals in both regions and analyzed using regression models and comparative statistical testing. The findings will offer insights into how policy interventions and cultural shifts can promote gender-inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, informing both policymakers and industry leaders.