Leadership Dynamics in MSMEs

This chapter explores the leadership experiences of women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector and examines how socio-cultural and institutional constraints challenge their entrepreneurial journeys. This study adopts a qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews with female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka across diverse sectors. The study identifies two interrelated dimensions influencing women’s entrepreneurship: (1) socio-cultural and patriarchal constraints, including gender role expectations and family obligations, and (2) institutional barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate training, regulatory inefficiencies, and security and irritation. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive policy interventions, enhanced support systems, and institutional reforms to create a more inclusive and enabling environment for female-led MSMEs. Moreover, this study offers practical insights for designing inclusive development policies that support and empower female entrepreneurs in South Asia.