Self-concept, self-organization and cross-border trading (CBT) behavior among females in Uganda
International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship
ISSN: 1756-6266
Article publication date: 5 September 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Women cross-border traders face impediments in their entrepreneurial work from time-to-time. To overcome these impediments, females need to take on self-concept (self-esteem, self-confidence, social roles) mediated by self-organization (adaptability, interaction, team working) in order to thrive in cross-border trading (CBT), using evidence from Uganda. So, in this paper the authors explain the behavior of a female who succeeds in CBT with interest of scaling it up to empower more female entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a correlational and cross-sectional type. A questionnaire survey of 288 females was used. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS.
Findings
The results reveal that self-concept, mediated by self-organization, controlled by tenure in business and the age of a female in CBT significantly influences CBT behavior among females in Uganda.
Research limitations/implications
This study focused on females who are involved in CBT in Uganda. Therefore, it is likely that the results may not be generalized to other settings. The results show that for females to succeed in CBT, self-concept and self-organization affect CBT behavior once they are controlled by tenure in business and the age of a female in CBT at more than 30 years of age and longer than 5 years.
Originality/value
This study provides initial evidence that self-concept, mediated by self-organization, controlled by tenure in business and age of a CBT directly affects CBT behavior, using evidence from an African developing country – Uganda.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author’s most profound appreciation goes to her Professors and Doctors for their time, effort and understanding in helping her succeed in her publication. Their vast wisdom and wealth of experience have inspired the author throughout her journey. In addition, the author would like to thank the team for technical assistance throughout her research. The author would like to express her gratitude to Prof. JC Munene who worked with her in breaking and converting her research idea into a common useful meaning. They both agreed that cross-border trading among females is a social reality. Professor Muhammed Ngoma helped in choosing the philosophical orientation for her study. Lots of guidance was given in deciding on the most appropriate orientation. Dr Annet. K. Nabatanzi Muyimba (Ph.D) was instrumental in helping with how to navigate literature. She edited the manuscript severally to help the author to make it suitable for publication. While Dr Esemu Timothy (Ph. D) guided with conceptualization, how to select journals for publication, how to observe the journals' requirements and how to address reviewers' comments. Thanks to their generosity and encouragement, the author’s time spent working with them has been truly rewarding. To conclude, it would have been impossible to produce this paper without their unwavering support over the past few years.
Citation
Sambaga, J.N. (2023), "Self-concept, self-organization and cross-border trading (CBT) behavior among females in Uganda", International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-11-2022-0202
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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