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    Bisinis belong olgeta mere long Honiara, Solomon Islands = Informal activities of the women of Honiara, Solomon Islands : 31.798 research project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2000) Fakaia, Matthew
    Solomon Islands' women in the Urban Informal Sector (UIS) seem to be invisible to the policy makers both from the perspective of their contribution and their needs. Although government programs aim at assisting small scale entrepreneurs, women as a group are not considered for any form of special assistance. The major reason for this is that most of the enterprises women engaged in, such as petty trading, food processing and livestock raising fall outside census of production survey. Often, these surveys are only conducted among enterprises employing ten or more workers. The small enterprises which are crucially important to the survival of women and their families are ignored. Women have limited access to critical resources like education, land, technology and credit. Hence they are often excluded from employment in the formal sector. Theoretically, the UIS provides employment for the groups excluded from employment in the formal sector. The notion of the informal sector captures certain peculiarities, such as informality of business organization, use of rudimentary technology, lack of separation of consumption and production, ease of entry and exit, reliance on family labour and apprentices and small requirement for capital. This study has been carried out on Solomon Islands women in UIS to view the nature and the extent of their activities today and to critically assess any measures in place to support those activities. The data from the fieldwork shows the importance of UIS activities to the food security of urban households, community development, the national economy and individual empowerment. The study reveals the link between UIS and the rural subsistence economy with reciprocal support of cash and food crops. It also reveals that there are women who could have worked in the formal sector actually chose to work in the UIS, for various reasons. The report concludes with a discussion of measures that could be taken to support UIS women in their activities.
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    The influence of bank loan officers attitudes on funding decisions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1998) Duff, Shirley Moana
    A conflicting body of evidence surrounds womens claims that they are discriminated against when it comes to obtaining business loans. Fay and Williams (1991) found that when identical loan applications were submitted by men and women, women were less likely to be granted a loan. It was proposed in this study that gender discrimination could be occurring as a result of bank loan officers attitudes about women as successful business owners. Seventy bank loan officers from North Island branches of the ANZ, ASB and WestpacTrust banks filled in questionnaires assessing their attitudes towards women, men and successful business owners (Buttner & Rosen, 1988). Bank loan officers also read a mock loan application (Fay & Williams, 1991) and indicated whether they would grant the loan. Results showed that bank loan officers did not differentially approve bank loans on the basis of the applicants gender (male or female) or level of education (Highschool or University). Loan approval was harder for male applicants to obtain as 'type of business entering' and 'lease agreement' were considered more important for males than females. Attitudes of bank loan officers indicated that they perceived women, compared to men, to be least like successful business owners. These results were discussed in relation to bank loan officers and prospective business owners. Limitations of the study included the possibility of response bias, participants being aware of the purpose of the study and the fact that the loan application was limited to one scenario and within the context of a hypothetical situation. Suggestions for future research include investigating other sources of funding for small business owners and the occurrence and effect of occupational sex-typing.
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    Relationships between female-headed rural micro-enterprises and micro-enterprise assistance providers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2013) Utto, Grittaya
    Although there are financial and other services extensively provided by formal micro-enterprise assistance providers, including micro-finance institutions (MFIs) and government agencies, in order to assist female-headed rural micro-enterprises (female-headed RMEs), there is much evidence to show that these entrepreneurs still seek other services, in particular from moneylenders. Such evidence reflects the need for improvement in the relationship between formal providers and these entrepreneurs. This research aims to explore and understand existing social networks between the counterparts, the tenet underlying relationship developments. The research employs the qualitative approach, principally using purposive sampling and in-depth interview techniques. The case (thirty eight enterprises and six providers) are those operating in Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand — its economically poorest region of Thailand. The study found that these entrepreneurs’ social networks were limited but specific. Individual entrepreneurs (IEs) would rather develop relationships with moneylenders and (to a lesser extent) with MFIs. Relationships with government agencies are apparently absent. In contrast, community-based enterprises (CBEs) had strong relationships with government agencies, because, importantly, CBEs are fully supported by these agencies. The study found the establishment of certain CBEs was initiated by government agencies, although community members may not have had their own intentions to do so. The viability of such enterprises is solely dependent on the financial grants provided by the agencies. In order to gain resources for operating enterprises, IEs are willing to become indebted with loans issued by local moneylenders, whilst nearly all members of CBEs will solely apply for further grants from the providers. The members will leave the enterprises, if they become liable for debt incurred after joining a CBE. The research findings highlight that the characteristics of entrepreneurs are key factors affecting their relationship development with the providers. Small-scale activities, such as those of retailers and vendors, chiefly specified their relationships with moneylenders who promptly responded to their financial needs. Meanwhile, micro-entrepreneurs involved in larger scale activities tended to apply for assistance from government departments. The Relationships between female-headed RMEs and micro-enterprise assistance providers findings suggest that the absence of service branches of formal providers, at (or nearby) villages where entrepreneurs reside, could push them to apply for services from moneylenders. Whilst there is limited evidence of gender discrimination, female entrepreneurs prefer not to develop relationships with formal providers because they perceive that the application procedure for the formal providers is time-consuming. The entrepreneurs, accordingly, leave the application for their husbands to deal with. The female entrepreneurs would rather seek loans from the moneylenders, who, typically, provide quick services with minimal document requirements. The present work provides insights into social networks, in addition to relationship development and the key factors affecting relationships. These insights could be beneficial in assisting practitioners and providers, when they design and implement services consistent with the needs of female-headed RMEs.