Work

An interactional framing approach to the design and delivery of export support for women entrepreneurs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Drawing on the theory of interactional framing, this study explores the institutional mechanisms shaping export support for women entrepreneurs. Focusing on Scotland, we adopt a qualitative single-case study design, based on semi-structured interviews with 35 participants, including enterprise agencies, support organisations, and women entrepreneurs (exporters and non-exporters) and by analysing policy documents. Our findings analyse two dominant frames: a gender-neutral frame assuming one-size-fits-all support and a gender-sensitive frame addressing women’s specific needs. We theorise how these frames are constructed and sustained through framing work and identify four mechanisms that show how frames are institutionalised: maintaining frame dominance, institutional distancing, frame plurality, and internal reframing. This research contributes to the women’s enterprise policy literature by showing the micro-level dynamics that act to shape enterprise support delivery. It also offers practical insights into how more inclusive institutions can be facilitated by bridging dominant and gender-sensitive frames, thus helping to reduce systemic barriers and enhance women’s access to global markets.

Source: International Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship

DOI: 10.1177/02662426261437999

Authors: Norin Arshed, Carolina Marin Cadavid, Stephen Knox

Institutions: University of Strathclyde, University of Stirling

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900