Spirited Women: The role of spirituality in the work lives of female entrepreneurs in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of spirituality in the work lives of female entrepreneurs in Ghana. Using a qualitative methodology, we explored three research questions that examined: (1) the types of spirituality expressions used by the women, (2) the context within which the spirituality-related expressions emerged, and (3) factors that differentiated those women who displayed the spirituality expressions from those who did not. Our findings suggest the strong influence of spirituality for Ghanaian women entrepreneurs with four expressions emerging (faith as a verbal expression, faith as a coping mechanism, faith as an instrumental tool, and faith as God's direct guidance). We found that female entrepreneurs tended to invoke spirituality in the context of personal and work-related challenges and when discussing aspirations for their businesses or personal future.