Indian Women as Entrepreneurs

This unique edited collection explores the ways in which entrepreneurship acts to shape self-identity for Indian women and validate their identities in a patriarchal society. Differing from existing literature which focuses on the antecedents of entrepreneurship for women and their performing outcomes, Indian Women as Entrepreneurs questions whether entrepreneurship is simply about exploiting a business opportunity for profitability. Asserting that both work and societal environments have an impact on an entrepreneur’s self-identity, this book demonstrates ways in which self-concept influences the entrepreneur’s relationship with their work in terms of motivation, effort and performance. Building on Unveiling Women’s Leadership, this book provides an original and important contribution to the literature on entrepreneurial Indian women.   

“It takes a woman of substance to know similar women. In this book Professor Payal Kumar has put forth a unique perspective of the Indian woman entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur myself, with businesses ranging from education, to hospitality, to real estate, I completely identify with the book’s theme of how entrepreneurship chisels one’s self-identity. A brilliant book for anyone who wants a greater insight into how women are able to deftly operate despite invisible yet sometimes constricting gender boundaries.” (Ms Sonica Malhotra, Director MBD Group, India)

“This book views entrepreneurship as a point of entry for a woman to arrive at her socio-economic empowerment, which in turn seeks to transform the power relations across society. While most chapters are written in the domestic context, there are a few chapters which throw light on the related scenario regarding the Indian diaspora across Europe and Africa. The editor Payal Kumar deserves to be complimented for achieving both depth and breadth in her approach to this valuable publication, on a theme which is yet to be fully explored. Overall, the book is a must read for those who would like to be provided with a holistic perspective to the intriguing world of Indian women entrepreneurs.” (Prof Prabal K. Sen, Professor, Economics Area and Chairperson, Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), Xavier School of Management, India)

Payal Kumar is an independent scholar with rich experience in senior leadership positions in both higher education and the corporate sector. As Registrar and Professor at a North Indian University, she launched the university publication and research division. Previous to this she was Vice President of Editorial and Production at SAGE Publications India Private Ltd. As an academician, she has published widely and is an Editorial Board Member of several reputed journals.