Article

Vision
21(3) 1–10
Developing Entrepreneurial Intensity © 2017 MDI
SAGE Publications

among Women Entrepreneurs of sagepub.in/home.nav

DOI: 10.1177/0972262917716793

Jammu & Kashmir: Model Building

http://vision.sagepub.com

through Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Saif Siddiqui1
Sumaira Jan2

Abstract
In developing nations like India, entrepreneurship can be a solution of many economy-related problems; to achieve this, high level of
entrepreneurial intensity (EI) is to be ensured. EI measures the focus and commitment of an entrepreneur towards his/her venture.
It can influence performance of firms, provide sustainable advantage to individuals, societies etc.
  The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is facing issues like low GDP and high unemployment. High level of EI, especially among
women, can provide solution to many of its problems. So, the present endeavour assesses the level of intensity among the women
entrepreneurs and then suggests some measures to enhance the same. The results of the study show that innovativeness, pro-activeness,
risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy, which are taken as the basic postulates of EI in study, show significant loading.
Although women entrepreneurs tend to show pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness strongly, it is innovativeness, risk-taking
and autonomy are not good fit. This study proposes a model for training for the women entrepreneurs to improve their level of EI to
accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship in the state. This will in turn enhance the overall economic growth of the state.

Key Words
Entrepreneurial Intensity, Women Entrepreneurs, Jammu and Kashmir, Training, Model

Introduction for achievement, risk-taking and locus of control. Entre-

Entrepreneurs are seen as catalysts that have the capability
to change the scenario of the business world. They have the
ability to see opportunity where others can just see chaos
and confusion. Not only can organizational wealth be
enhanced by it (Ireland, Kuratko & Covin, 2009), but also
world economies are revitalized due to it (Naude, 2010).
Traditionally in India entrepreneurship was linked to the
culture and customs, which made it grow along the societal
lines only. But now success of any entrepreneur is largely
dependent on his/her vision, innovativeness, risk-taking
ability, etc., and needs not to be linked to the country
culture, traditions etc., (Rizvi & Gupta, 2009). Researchers,
such as Shaver and Scott (1991), Low and MacMillan
(1988), Brockhaus (1982), Casson (1982) etc., have
explained certain characteristics which differentiate entre-
preneurs from the commoners, including ambition, need
preneurs have something in them which differentiates them
from the rest. This something is an inner drive to do and be
different. Most commonly this inner drive is explained as
an entrepreneurial intensity (EI) (Gadenne, 1998; Ireland,
Kuratko & Morris, 2006; Liao, Murphy & Welsch, 2005;
Morris & Sexton, 1996; Morris, Lewis & Sexton, 1994).
EI measures the level of focus and commitment of an
entrepreneur towards his/her venture. Focus refers to the
extent to which other pursuits can be given up for a parti-
cular venture, while commitment means the time and
resources spent on the creation, growth and development
of the venture. High EI ensures that highest efforts and
value are put on the venture by the entrepreneur rather than
the other personal and professional commitments. Several
models of EI have been proposed by researchers. Some say
that it significantly impacts the venture performance
(Herron & Robinson, 1993), some establish that it creates

1 Assistant Professor, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia-Central University, New Delhi, India.
2 Junior Research Fellow, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia-Central University, New Delhi, India.

Corresponding author:
Saif Siddiqui, Assistant Professor, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia-Central University, New Delhi-110025, India.
E-mail: drsaifsiddiqui@gmail.com
2
sustainable advantage for the individuals, organizations
and the societies (Morris, 1998), while others believe that
it helps in formulating high growth strategies for the busi-
nesses (Gundry & Welsch, 2001).
India has witnessed entrepreneurship as a phenomenon
mostly dominated by men, but the present socio-cultural
environment offers equal opportunities to women for
joining the hands of entrepreneurship (Shah & Saurabh,
2015). Shah (2012) believes that for economic growth in
India, more women entrepreneurs should be generated as
they can return 90 per cent of every unit of investment
made on them (VanderBrug, 2013). In middle and lower
classes as well as rural areas in India, women entrepreneurs
find it extremely difficult to meet their familial and
entrepreneurial demands simultaneously (Mathew &
Panchanatham, 2009). As per Nelasco (2008), women in
India have high leadership potential but it is significantly
lowered by their socio-economic and political restrictions.
In such a scenario, emerging as successful entrepreneurs
will require them to be extra-ordinarily motivated and have
high EI which will differentiate them from the rest.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India belongs
to the northern part and is different in terms of its demo-
graphic profile, societal norms, culture, trading, etc. (Biswal
& Sangma, 2014). Parihar et al. (2013) conducted a study in
the state of J&K which reveals that women entrepreneurs
have low entrepreneurial competencies/intensity and face
numerous problems (Dar & Ahmad, 2013; Dar & Mir,
2013; Mir, 2012; Sharma, 2013). It is known from the
annual report of Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation, Government of India, that the annual GDP
of the state of J&K in year 2014–2015 was INR 879,210
million which is one of the lowest in India. Its unemploy-
ment rate as per 4th annual employment–unemployment
survey report by Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Government of India, in 2013–2014 was 4.9 per cent which
is one of the highest in the country.
Table 1. Review of Literature
Name of
Title of the Study Author(s) Year, Region
Literature on Entrepreneurial Intensity
The influence of entrepreneurial Urban & 2015, South The results reveal that entrepreneurial intensity and capabilities
intensity and capabilities on Sefalafala Africa
internationalization and firm
performance.
The impact of cultural openness, Sabah, 2014, Turkey
religion and nationalism on Carsrud &
entrepreneurial intensity: six Kocak
prototypical cases of Turkish
family firms.
Entrepreneurial attitude of the Moreno & 2013, Spain
youngest members of family Ussman
businesses: A theoretical
approach.
Vision 21(3)
Combining these two aspects and the fact that entrepre-
neurship can be a great source of increasing GDP and
reducing unemployment (Naude, 2010b), this study pro-
poses to enhance core entrepreneurial competencies among
women entrepreneurs of the state by empirically investi-
gating which entrepreneurial traits. A training model can
be provided for the same which will eventually enhance
the level of women entrepreneurship in the state and it will
have a direct influence on the overall GDP and employ-
ment status of the state.
Literature Review
Researchers, such as Birley and Westhead (1994), Cooper
and Dunkelberg (1981), Dubini and Aldrich (1991),
Mcgrath, Scheinberg and MacMillan (1992), Shane,
Kolvereid and Westhead (1991) etc., have tried to identify
the reasons why entrepreneurs start their ventures. Talking
about women entrepreneurs who manage both family and
work, they often opt for entrepreneurship to provide more
flexibility and life balance to fulfil their roles both as a
home maker as well as the employer (Buttner & Moore,
1997). Many researches have been done in the field of EI
suggesting how it influences the overall venture perfor-
mance, how it provides sustainable advantage to the indi-
viduals, organizations and the societies, etc. Some even
suggest that it helps entrepreneurs to formulate high
growth-oriented strategies for their ventures.
Brief literature review on EI and women entrepreneur-
ship in J&K is given in Table 1.
Review of literature revealed different dimensions of EI.
Most important of them which have been used by present
study include the following: innovativeness, pro-activeness,
risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy. This
is supported by researchers including: Liao, Murphy and
Welsch (2005), Morris (1998), Morris, Lewis and Sexton
Major Findings
are positively related with the performance of the firms.
Results show that Islam is conducive to entrepreneurial intensity
within Turkish context. Nationalistic firms show lower frequency
and degree of entrepreneurial intensity.
Both positive as well as negative relationships were found
between entrepreneurial intention of the younger members of
family businesses and entrepreneurial orientation of these family
businesses. So a mixed response was obtained.
Siddiqui and Jan 3
Title of the Study
Proactive personality and
entrepreneurial intent: Is
entrepreneurial self-efficacy a
mediator or moderator?
Beyond social capital: The role
of perceived legitimacy and
entrepreneurial intensity in
achieving funding success and
superior venture performance in
women-led Russian SMEs.
Entrepreneurial intention: The
role of gender.
Which factors affect
entrepreneurial intention of
university students?
Factors influencing
entrepreneurial intensity in
communities.
Entrepreneurial intensity: A study
of established companies in South
Africa
Developing and validating a
construct of entrepreneurial
intensity
The ambitious entrepreneur:
High growth strategies of
women-owned enterprises.
Literature on Women Entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir
Prospects of women
entrepreneurship: A study of
the women entrepreneurs of
Kashmir valley.
Prospects and challenges of
women entrepreneurship:
A study of the women
entrepreneurs of Jammu and
Kashmir
Modern challenges to women
entrepreneurship development:
A study of district Rajouri in
Jammu and Kashmir state
Factors affecting orientation
and satisfaction of women
entrepreneurs in rural India.
Diversification in rural livelihood Sharma
strategies: macro-level evidence
from Jammu and Kashmir
Impact of motivational factors
and role stress on women
entrepreneurs in Jammu.
Source: Compiled by the authors.
Name of
Author(s) Year, Region Major Findings
Prabhu, 2012, USA, The authors found that Proactive Personality (PP) has a robust
Mcguire, China, Finland, relationship with the three different manifestations of EI—general,
Drost & Russia high growth and lifestyle. Furthermore, Entrepreneurial Self
Kwong Efficacy (ESE) not only mediated the relationship between PP
and all the three forms of EI but also moderated the relationship
between PP and high growth EI as well as PP and lifestyle EI.
Lakovleva & 2011, Russia The study proposes that entrepreneurs’ intensity towards
Kickul the business is associated with their perception of financial
competence and firm performance.
Garcia & 2010, Spain The results propose that both men and women with a firm
Moreno entrepreneurial intention perceive successful entrepreneurs to
have feminine attributes.
Turker & 2009, Turkey The results of the survey showed that educational and structural
Selcuk support factors affect the entrepreneurial intention of students.
Heibrunn 2008, Israel The results reveal that organizational age and size do have an
impact on the level of entrepreneurial intensity
Scheepers, 2007, South The results reveal that ICT companies have higher levels of
Hough & Africa entrepreneurial intensity than those listed on Johannesburg Stock
Bloom Exchange.
Liao, Murphy 2005, USA Entrepreneurial intensity is an important factor in differentiating
& welsch nascent entrepreneurs. Used risk-taking, competitive
aggressiveness, autonomy, innovativeness and pro-activeness for
assessing entrepreneurial intensity.
Gundry & USA, 2001 High growth-oriented women entrepreneurs have a much greater
Welsch focus on new technologies and expansion of market which allows
them to exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial intensity.
Shah & 2014, Jammu Study reveals the inner drive of women, financial support, familial
Mustafa & Kashmir support, etc., to be among the numerous factors for motivating
women to take up entrepreneurship.
Mustafa 2013, Jammu Support from government in the form of subsidies, incentives etc.,
& Kashmir tend to significantly motivate women entrepreneurs in the state.
Mir 2012, Jammu This study identifies blockades in the way of women
& Kashmir entrepreneurship in the state including: lack of support from the
society in general and family in particular, mobility problems,
lack of financial resources, low credibility in the eyes of financial
institutions, less awareness etc.
Jyoti, Sharma 2011, Jammu Support from the family and earnings from the venture are
and Kumari & Kashmir seen to significantly satisfy the women entrepreneur. Self-
confidence, financial interdependence and determination decide
the orientation of the entrepreneur towards the success of their
venture as per this study.
2010, Jammu Agriculture is a sector where rural women entrepreneurs can
& Kashmir venture into and create livelihood opportunities for themselves
and others as per this study.
Parihar, Singh, 2008, Jammu Their study revealed the boredom from being a typical house
Sharma and & Kashmir wife, liking to do some different job, overcome financial problems,
Singh carry on with the family business etc., to be the motivating factors
for women to be the entrepreneurs.
4 Vision 21(3)

(1994), Lumpkin and Dess (1996), Kuratko, Hornsby and Data

Goldsby (2007), Morris and Jones (1999), Covin and Slevin
(1989), Miles and Arnold (1991) etc.
Research Gap
Most of the researches available on EI are with respect to
the developed countries, such as USA, Singapore, Russia,
Australia, etc., where the prevailing situations are quite
different than those of developing and underdeveloped
nations. Studies on this topic are very scarce with respect
to Indian women entrepreneurs and very scarce with
respect to women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. Also
we could not find any study which seeks to address the
problems of low GDP and high unemployment by provid-
ing training to enhance EI among women entrepreneurs of
the state of J&K. So a research gap was found after review-
ing the relevant literature. This called us to research and
reveal how women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K can
be given training for increasing their level of EI/compe-
tency and also which traits to address first based on their
relative importance.
Data and Methodology
Research Objectives
Research objectives are presented as under:
1. To identify the contribution of various dimensions
towards EI among women entrepreneurs of the state
of J&K.
2. To explore which dimensions of EI should be
enhanced to improve the level of entrepreneurship
among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K.
3. To develop a comprehensive model showing how
training can be used to strategically enhance the
various dimensions of EI among women entrepre-
neurs of the state of J&K.
Research Hypotheses
With the above objectives in mind, the following hypothe-
ses have been drafted:
The data used in this study have been collected by admin-
istering a structured questionnaire among 405 women
entrepreneurs belonging to the state of J&K in India. The
primary survey was carried out during the time period of
November 2015 to March 2016. The entrepreneurs were
randomly selected from the list which was provided by
Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development
Institute situated in Srinagar. Respondents were asked
questions about their entrepreneurial traits including
innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive
aggressiveness and autonomy.
These women entrepreneurs were from different districts
of the state, including Srinagar, Jammu, Budgam, Baramulla,
Pulwama, Anantnag, Udhampur, Rajouri, Shopian,
Kupwara, Ganderbal, Ramban, Bandipora, Kulgam, Samba,
Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Kargil, Leh, Reasi and Poonch.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Before moving on with the empirical analysis, the instru-
ment used was checked for its reliability and validity using
composite reliability, average variance extracted, maximum
shared variance and average shared variance. The values
are given in Table 2.
Hair et al. (2010) proposed that data are reliable when
its composite reliability (CR) is greater than 0.7. For con-
vergent validity, AVE should be greater than 0.5 and for
discriminant validity; both MSV and ASV should be less
than AVE. Table 2 depicts that our data are fulfilling all
these conditions which makes us draw the inference that
the data used by us are both reliable and valid enough for
further processing.
Profile of Respondents
A brief overview of the demographic profile of respond-
ents is given in Table 3.
The Table 3 reflects that most of the women entrepre-
neurs in the current study are falling in the age group of
20–40 which can be considered as a group of young people.
Most of them are educated with low-income levels and just

1. H1: Innovativeness significantly contributes towards Table 2. Reliability and Validity Results
EI among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K.
CR AVE MSV ASV RT INN PA CA AUT
2. H2: Pro-activeness significantly contributes towards
EI among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. RT 0.936 0.787 0.156 0.075 0.887      
3. H3: Competitive aggressiveness significantly con- INN 0.917 0.629 0.100 0.052 0.144 0.793    
PA 0.918 0.743 0.632 0.211 0.350 0.280 0.862  
tributes towards EI among women entrepreneurs of
CA 0.985 0.957 0.632 0.226 0.395 0.317 0.795 0.978
the state of J&K. AUT 0.924 0.753 0.017 0.010 -0.026 0.099 0.105 0.132 0.868
4. H4: Risk-taking significantly contributes towards EI
Source: Compiled by the authors.
among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. Notes: CR-Composite Reliability; AVE- Average Variance Extracted;
5. H5: Autonomy significantly contributes towards EI MSV- Maximum Shared Variance; ASV- Average Shared Vari-
among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. ance.
Siddiqui and Jan 5

Table 3. Demographic Profile of Respondents theoretical constructs. This is depicted by the loadings of
the corresponding constructs. Using CFA in the current
Valid Frequency Per cent
study will help us to ascertain whether innovativeness, pro-
Age Below 20 6 1.5 activeness, competitive aggressiveness, risk-taking and
20–40 292 72.1
autonomy load adequately on entrepreneurial intensity
40–60 107 26.4
Above 60 0 0.00 among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. For this
Educational Secondary/ 206 50.9 purpose, Mplus Version 7 was used and developed by
Qualification Senior Muthen and Muthen (1998).
secondary After performing CFA, we got the factor loadings and
Graduate 139 34.3 model fit indices as depicted in Tables 4, 5 and 6.
Postgraduate 48 11.9 Table 4 shows that all the variables including innova-
and over
tiveness, pro-activeness, competitive aggressiveness, risk-
Other 12 3.0
Income Less than 157 38.8 taking and autonomy load significantly on entrepreneurial
25,000 INR intensity among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K
25,000–50,000 134 33.1 as values are higher than 0.75 in almost all the cases. Some
50,000–75,000 91 22.5 researchers suggest that even a loading of 0.4 is respectable
More than 23 5.7 (Bowen & Guo, 2011), but we are considering them only
75,000
for the reason that we achieved good model fit. Model fit
Exporter Yes 2 0.5
No 403 99.5 indices (Table 6) are all in their prescribed ranges and
hence supporting the model.
Source: Compiled by the authors.
CFI—It should be greater than 0.9 for a model to be
a couple of them exporting what they produce. Reason for acceptable (Cheung & Rensvold, 2002).
low-income level is that survey was conducted among
small enterprises of the state of J&K. TLI—Acceptable value for this index is 0.9 (Cheung &
Rensvold, 2002).
Confirmatory Factor RMSEA—Model is acceptable if value is less than or
Analysis (CFA) equal to 0.05 (Browne & Cudeck, 1993).
Confirmatory factor analysis is a very important modelling SRMR—Value below 0.80 is a good fit (Hu & Bentler,
technique which is used to map certain measures onto 1999).

Table 4. Factor Loadings of 22 Items Selected to Represent Entrepreneurial Intensity among Women Entrepreneurs of J&K

Factor Loadings:
Factor (R2) Items I II III IV V
Innovativeness (11.2% Over the next few years we could change up to 50% of the 0.894
of variance)-INN processes that support our current business model (Inn1)
We have already put measurable resources (human and 0.861
financial) behind our innovation agenda (Inn2)
We have a good record of rolling out new products and 0.399
services in the market (Inn3)
Innovation is a core value in this organization (Inn4) 0.45
Our strategic planning process is oriented towards grabbing 0.94
the opportunity (Inn5)
Our strategic initiatives aim at gaining competitive advantage 0.914
(Inn6)
We strongly emphasize research and development, 0.885
technological leadership and innovations (Inn7)
Pro-activeness We believe in moving carefully, while ceasing opportunities in 0.571
(70% of variance)-PA the market (PA1)
In dealing with competition, we initiate actions which the 0.984
competitors then respond to (PA2)
In dealing with competitors, we prefer to adopt the live and 0.87
let live strategy (PA3)
Our firm is always the one to initiate strategies and bring new 0.96
products/services in the market than the competitors (PA4)
(Table 4 continued)
6 Vision 21(3)

(Table 4 continued)
Factor Loadings:
Factor (R2) Items I II III IV V
Competitive We are prepared to launch a new product/service even when 0.978
aggressiveness (90.3% it is unclear how successful it may be (CA1)
of variance)-CA
We are aggressive and intensely competitive in taking business 0.974
away from the competitors (CA2)
We make every possible attempt to stay ahead of our 0.983
competitors (CA3)
Risk-taking(17.2% of Problem is studied very thoroughly before deploying 0.891
variance)-RT resources to solve it (RT1)
High risk projects are preferred over low risk projects in our 0.874
firm (RT2)
When faced with a decision-making situation under 0.833
uncertainty, we adopt a wait and see strategy (RT3)
It is always good to study the environment properly before 0.946
taking any decision in the organization (RT4)
Autonomy (1.8% of We support the efforts of individuals/teams that work 0.919
variance)-AUT autonomously (AUT1)
Individuals/teams take decisions on their own without 0.755
consulting superiors (AUT2)
Individuals/teams are expected to use out-of-the-box 0.857
strategies in the pursuit of opportunities (AUT3)
In my firm the top management decides which opportunities 0.929
to pursue (AUT4)
Source: Compiled by the authors.
Note: All are Significant at p < 0.05.

Table 5. Overall Loadings of Various depicts how the five constructs including innovativeness,
Dimensions on Entrepreneurial Intensity pro-activeness, competitive aggressiveness, risk-taking
and autonomy load on entrepreneurial intensity among
S.No. Dimension Loading
women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. Values greater
1. Innovativeness 0.335 than 0.75 are considered acceptable as per Nunnally
2. Pro-activeness 0.836 (1978). The table reveals that three constructs including
3. Competitive 0.95
innovativeness, risk-taking and autonomy have low values
Aggressiveness
4. Risk-taking 0.415
suggesting that women entrepreneurs exhibit low innova-
5. Autonomy 0.134 tiveness, risk-taking and autonomy while showcasing
entrepreneurial intensity. The other two, pro-activeness
Source: Compiled by the authors.
Note: Significant at p < 0.01.
and competitive aggressiveness, are found to be good as
their loadings are greater than 0.75. The overall model,
with all its loadings, errors and variances, for entrepreneurial
Table 6. Model Diagnostics intensity among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K
445.069 is given in the Figure 1.
Chi-square (|2)
Degree of freedom (df) 204 The model depicts that almost all constructs significantly
P-Value 0.0000 load on their respective dimensions, that is, innovativeness,
Scaling correction factor for MLR 0.7577 pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and
CFI (Comparative fit index) 0.946 autonomy, although it is just pro-activeness and competitive
TLI (Tucker-Lewis index) 0.938 aggressiveness which load adequately on entrepreneurial
RMSEA (Root mean square error of approximation) 0.05 intensity among women entrepreneurs of the state of
SRMR (Standard root mean square residual) 0.039 J&K. The model clearly depicts that women entrepreneurs
Source: Compiled by the authors. of the state of J&K are highly pro-active and competitively
Note: Significant at p < 0.01. aggressive while lacking on innovativeness, risk-taking and
autonomy at the same time.
χ2/df(Relative Chi-square)—It should preferably be less
than three for a good model fit (Carmnines & Mclver, 1981). Results and Discussion
Hence, we have achieved a good model fit with respect- The results of this study revealed that the scale used is both
able factor loadings, indicating an efficacious CFA. Table 5 reliable as well as valid. It means that this scale can be used
Siddiqui and Jan 7
Figure 1. Model depicting loadings of various constructs and items on entrepreneurial intensity among women entrepreneurs of
Jammu and Kashmir
Source: Compiled by the authors.
Notes: ei–entrepreneurial intensity; inn–innovativeness; rt–risk-taking; aut–autonomy; pa–pro activeness; ca–competitive aggressiveness.
for further research in assessing entrepreneurial intensity
among women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. Hence,
this study proposed a scale which can be used for test–retest
analysis as was indicated by tests of reliability, validity,
factor loadings and model diagnostics (CFA). The results of
this study also show that innovativeness, pro-activeness,
risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy sig-
nificantly load on entrepreneurial intensity among women
entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. All of them show reason-
able loadings which makes us to draw such inference. This
is in congruence with the findings of Liao, Murphy and
Welsch (2005), Morris (1998), Morris, Lewis and Sexton
(1994), Lumpkin and Dess (1996), Kuratko, Hornsby and
Goldsby (2007) etc. Further analysis of second order CFA
revealed that out of the five dimensions used, only two, that
is, pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness, are sig-
nificantly high among women entrepreneurs of the state of
J&K. The rest three, innovativeness, risk-taking and
autonomy, are low. From this we deduce that women entre-
preneurs portray lower intensity on three among five dimen-
sions of entrepreneurial intensity.
This makes us to accept all our hypotheses which
suggest that innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking,
competitive aggressiveness and autonomy significantly
contribute towards entrepreneurial intensity among women
entrepreneurs of the state of J&K. Out of these women
entrepreneurs exhibit pro-activeness and competitive
aggressiveness strongly while innovativeness, risk-taking
and autonomy are found to be weak among them.
This study suggests that by the various governmental
initiatives and efforts by NGOs training can be provided to
the women entrepreneurs to enhance their creativity/
innovativeness, risk-taking capability and autonomy. With
pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness already
being good, overall entrepreneurial intensity will get strong
in all its constructs in women entrepreneurs of the state of
8
Figure 2. Model Depicting How Training Can Help Enhance Entrepreneurial Intensity for Better Economic Development
Source: Compiled by the authors.
J&K. When entrepreneurial intensity gets high, the overall
women entrepreneurship in the state will grow, which will
eventually lead to the benefits, such as enhanced GDP in
the state, reduced unemployment, infrastructural develop-
ment/community development, etc. This is depicted in
Figure 2.
Conclusion and Implications
of the Study
The most important takeaway of this study is that women
entrepreneurs of the state of J&K exhibit low entrepreneur-
ial intensity on three constructs (innovativeness, risk-taking
and autonomy) out of five (innovativeness, risk-taking,
pro-activeness, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy)
considered for the study. It makes us to draw the inference
that women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K are lacking
in terms of being innovative, risk-takers and providing
autonomy to people working in their organization.
This study provides a scale which can be used for further
research in the field of entrepreneurial intensity among
women entrepreneurs of the state of J&K.
This study also proposes a model which can be used by
policymakers to enhance EI among women entrepreneurs
of the state of J&K. This will eventually help to enhance
overall economic condition of the state.
For future researches, initiatives, such as project Shakti
and micro-credit facilities of J&K Grameen bank, can be
studied, which can significantly help in enhancing the
current status of women entrepreneurship in the state of
J&K. They have done well in other states of the country.
These can significantly help in the training module, as pro-
posed by the study, by enhancing entrepreneurial intensity
among women entrepreneurs of the state.
Vision 21(3)
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About the Authors
Saif Siddiqui (drsaifsiddiqui@gmail.com) is presently
with Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia
Islamia-Central University, New Delhi, as an Assistant
Professor in finance. Previously he also served Department
of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University and Institute of
Vision 21(3)
Management Studies, Ghaziabad, India. His areas of aca-
demic interest include Financial Management, Security
Analysis and Portfolio Management and Entrepreneurship.
He has also written one book in area of entrepreneurship
and edited two books in the area of finance. He has also
presented more than 40 papers in national and international
seminars and conferences. He has contributed more than
35 research papers in national and international journals
of repute. He is editing Asian Journal of Management
Applications and Research and associated with Interna-
tional Journal of Bonds and Derivatives as Regional
Editor–Asia.
Sumaira Jan (sumairajannn@gmail.com) is presently
pursuing her doctorate from the Centre for Management
Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia-Central University, New
Delhi in strategic entrepreneurship. She was previously
associated with the University of Science and Technology,
Jammu & Kashmir as an assistant professor. She is an
MBA from Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia
Islamia-Central University, New Delhi in marketing and
finance. Her areas of research interest include entrepre-
neurship, financial inclusion, green marketing and eco-
nomic development. She has presented many research
papers at the national and international conferences and
published her research work in journals of national and
international repute.