Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 24 ISSUE 3
Written by Daniela CREȚU, Radu Andrei IOVA, Oana Roberta CREȚU, Elena LASCĂR

Feminine leadership is an increasingly relevant field of research, having a significant impact on organizational development and progress. Studies show that women in leader positions bring an unique and valuable perspective, contributing to innovation and performance within the organizations they lead. However, the perception of feminine leadership is often influenced by gender stereotypes that can create barriers to women's professional advancement. The main objective of this study was to identify and analyze leadership styles in feminine entrepreneurship in Călărași county, with a particular focus on how female entrepreneurs adapt and respond to the specific challenges of the local business sector. The selection of the sample was carried out through a stratified methodology, ensuring a proportional distribution for each of the demographic and professional categories specific to feminine entrepreneurs. This approach allowed a detailed and specific analysis of the distinctive features of female leadership in entrepreneurship in Călărași. Sample variables: age: the sample included women entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 and 52, thus ensuring the representation of a wide spectrum of life and professional experiences; level of education: from high school to postgraduate studies, including master and doctorate; residence area - urban and rural women, highlighting how geographic context and access to resources can impact leadership styles; the type of Commercial Company - from individual enterprises, to limited liability companies and joint-stock companies, highlighting the flexibility in choosing the business structure; field of activity: the participation of women entrepreneurs in a wide range of fields, from trade and services, to manufacturing and IT, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of businesses led by women. The methodology used in carrying out this research includes a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 120 women entrepreneurs from Călărași county, Romania. The qualitative analysis involved detailed but unstructured interviews with the sampled participants to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perceptions regarding the challenges they face in a diverse and competitive business sector. In order to evaluate the results of the questionnaire and the association with the sample variables, the χ2 test was used, the null hypothesis was formulated, to determine if there is a causal relationship between the two variables-questions. The obtained results revealed significant insights about the leadership dynamics in the region. The analysis indicated a diversity of leadership styles, with a notable prevalence of the collaborative style, suggesting a general trend towards participative leadership models within the investigated organizations. Despite all the challenges they faced, women entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience and innovation, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the community. Their success highlights the importance of implementing policies and initiatives that promote gender equality in entrepreneurship and support the development of businesses led by women.

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