Abstract

This article explores the main factors that influence Lebanese women entrepreneurs in launching and managing their businesses and, consequently, their contribution to the economy. It focuses on the importance of women’s entrepreneurship generally, the objectives of female business owners, the obstacles faced by Arab and Lebanese female business owners, and the employment developments in the Middle East. The data designates the research methodology followed in the article, which focuses on qualitative research comprising, first of all, in-depth interviews, the research objectives, questions, and entrepreneurship assessment. The research methods include conducting a qualitative analysis of the interviews through computer-assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS), specifically, MAXQDA (MAX Qualitative Data Analysis), and, additionally, the technique of participant observation, the design stages, and the description of the sample. The results of the interviews comprise various aspects such as Lebanese women entrepreneurship characteristics, goals and motives, the impact of economic issues on women owning businesses in Lebanon, and socio-cultural influences on the role of women in Lebanon, including their involvement in business. Finally, based on the conclusions derived from empirical data gained through research, some previously existing studies are reviewed and theories are formulated.