Abstract

This study attempts to investigate the courage it takes for women to do business in Saudi Arabia. A total number of 350 participants were allowed as a sample. Drop-off, pick-up and On-line survey methods were used to receive maximum response rate. The descriptive statistics, the T-test and the ANOVA test were utilized to examine the business motivational factors. The results reveal that self-achievement is the most motivational factor for business women in Saudi Arabia. The barriers include lack of market studies, lack of governmental support, lack of coordination among government departments, lack of support from the community, society restrictions and oligopolistic attitude of the investors. This research contributes to the literature on gender barriers related to business by systematically assessing the traditional restrictions towards women in Saudi Arabian society.

Key words: Motivational aspects, barriers towards business, gender related restrictions, business women.