Virtual Social Networks and Rural Women Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs use virtual social networks in their professional relationships. These relationships with higher quality leads to better performance in their businesses. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of virtual social networks on improving rural women’s entrepreneurship. The statistical population of the study included all members of the Agricultural Development Specialized Holding Companies in Fars province in Iran. The study was conducted using survey and stratified random sampling methods with 269 individuals participated via questionnaires. The results indicated that virtual social networks had a favorable effect on rural women’s businesses. There was a significant difference between women in the different studied counties regarding the effects of virtual social networks on business. In addition, a significant difference was observed between women in various groups regarding the effect of virtual social networks on business. In addition, greater effect of virtual social networks on women’s businesses led to higher business resilience among the women entrepreneur and their businesses, which resulted in increasing the women’s information about business activities and their entrepreneurial activities in their businesses. Further, more use of social networks by the women led to more use of marketing methods and strategies. Therefore, it is suggested that Agricultural Development Specialized Holding Companies use the functions of virtual social networks in order to information transfer, networking and online training for members when necessary. Also provide the necessary training in the application of appropriate marketing methods and strategies to rural women entrepreneurs using these networks.

Keywords

• virtual social networks
• entrepreneurship
• business
• rural women