Author(s):
1. Andrea Kovačević, Croatia
2. Gabrijela Vidić,

Abstract:
Although women represent a majority in population of Croatia, their economic position is much worse compared to the economic situation of men. Generally, unemployment rates of women are higher, there is a small proportion of women on leading positions in firms, their salaries are smaller, and in entrepreneurship, which is especially important for this work, women are also involved in a smaller number than man. Despite the fact that the position of women has improved during the last fifty years, women are still often seen primarily as mothers, wives and housekeepers. In societies, particularly traditional ones like the Croatian and Bosnian society is, entrepreneurship is primary considered as a male activity. According to usual stereotypes, men are more aggressive than women, and according to the same stereotypes an entrepreneur should be someone who is aggressive and dominant. Entrepreneurship should be considered as an opportunity of making a career and securing means of sustenance for every member of the society, besides gender, age, religious, national or other affiliations. Encouraging women in engaging in entrepreneurship is a national interest, because it is a way of reducing unemployment, improving economic conditions, and at the same time strengthening the economic position of women by reducing their economic dependence from others. One of the preconditions for involving women in entrepreneurship is the development of entrepreneurial climate. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are countries where the entrepreneurial climate is insufficient developed. In order to improve entrepreneurial climate in a certain country it is necessary to develop an entrepreneurial spirit at young age, to invest in entrepreneurial infrastructure, to start programs for the development of entrepreneurship and to invest in social institutions which provide support for entrepreneurs. For the aim of this work there was conducted a research on a student population in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study will seek to determine student attitudes concerning their entrepreneurial climate, male and female entrepreneurs in the society where they live and entrepreneurship in general.

Key words:
female entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial climate, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Date of abstract submission:
01.10.2012.

Number of visits:
569

Conference:
REDETE 2012

Applied paper from author