Building networks in the manufacturing sector: A qualitative study of women entrepreneurs in Türkiye
Building networks in the manufacturing sector: A qualitative study of women entrepreneurs in Türkiye

Summary/Abstract: Objective: The aim of the article is to explore how Turkish women entrepreneurs who own medium and large-scale manufacturing firms construct and mobilise social networks and how these networks evolve over time. Research Design & Methods: A qualitative research design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector in Antalya, Türkiye. Due to the absence of a formal database, snowball sampling was used. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to capture participants' lived experiences in relation to the research questions. Findings: The findings show that women entrepreneurs actively engage in networking throughout the entrepreneurial process. While networks were relatively limited during the start-up phase, they expanded and diversified as ventures grew. Four main network types were identified: personal networks, influential mentors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and public institutions. These networks provided key benefits, including financial support, customer and personnel access, information sharing, and motivational support. Implications & Recommendations: The results emphasise the importance of cultivating networks beyond family ties, particularly with mentors, NGOs, and formal institutions, to support venture development and sustainability. Contribution & Value Added: By focusing on women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector in a developing country context, this study extends existing research on gender and social networks beyond service-sector and Western settings.

• Details
• Contents