Gender diversity: An optimizing element in copreneurial enterprises

In the 40 years since the women's movement inspired dual-career households, few studies have examined the long-term achievements of entrepreneurial couples (copreneurs). The purpose of our study is to examine gender diversity within organizational structures created by owners of 20-year-old copreneurial enterprises. We first developed a conceptual framework and then conducted qualitative fieldwork in 10 cases in the U.S. to explore the research question: What is the role of gender in the copreneurial enterprise system? We found that copreneurs do not follow traditional business practices, yet reach highly satisfactory levels of achievement through gender equality, common values, joint passion, relationship commitment, trust in decision-making, and a drive for quality resulting in business value creation, career satisfaction and relationship longevity. The value of this paper is in developing and testing a conceptual 'system' framework on a significant, growing segment within the field of family business. This knowledge may be used to assist dual-career couples in making the decision toward copreneurship as a way of achieving business, family and personal goals as well as relationship longevity. Economic implications include career and income stability, business wealth, job creation, and support for the community.