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Article

Communication Skills of Female Entrepreneurs and Their Perceptions of Individual Entrepreneurship

by
Remziye Terkan
The Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), North Cyprus, 28 Kasım Sk No:11, Lefkoşa 99010, Turkey
Systems 2026, 14(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010114
Submission received: 11 October 2025 / Revised: 31 December 2025 / Accepted: 14 January 2026 / Published: 22 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agile Approaches to Organizational Governance: Towards a Resilient and Sustainable System)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Effective communication skills are widely recognized as essential for entrepreneurial success, yet limited empirical research has explored their direct relationship with individual entrepreneurship perceptions, particularly among women entrepreneurs. This study addresses this gap by investigating how communication competencies correlate with entrepreneurial self-perception, while also examining whether these variables vary according to demographic and professional characteristics such as age, occupational field, business ownership, and job position. Employing a quantitative research design with a descriptive survey model, data were collected from 145 women entrepreneurs. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, multiple regression analysis and correlation tests, were applied to explore differences and relationships among variables. Findings indicate that certain demographic factors, notably age and job position, significantly influence both communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation emerged between the communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs. In addition, the fact that the communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions of branch managers were higher than those of other work statuses showed that the “manager position” served as an important node affecting both variables within the system. These results underscore the importance of enhancing communication capabilities as a strategic component in fostering entrepreneurial identity and potential among women in diverse professional contexts.

1. Introduction

The exploration of various theories of systems has significantly advanced over time, influencing multiple disciplines and providing frameworks for understanding complex environments. Historical development in systems theory began in the early 20th century through the works of pioneers like Ludwig von Bertalanffy, who introduced General Systems Theory, emphasizing the interrelations among system components [1]. This theory laid the groundwork for understanding systems as holistic entities rather than mere collections of parts. Key principles of systems theory include the notions of interdependence, feedback loops, and emergent properties, which highlight how system behavior cannot be deduced solely from its individual components [2]. Such principles have been instrumental in multiple applications, ranging from ecological systems to organizational behavior and information science, facilitating a multidisciplinary approach that bridges gaps between fields [3].
The interdisciplinary nature of systems theory allows it to address complex problems effectively. For instance, in risk analysis and disaster research, applying systems thinking enables stakeholders to understand and mitigate potential hazards through a comprehensive view of interconnected factors [4]. Furthermore, the evolution of systems theory within information science illustrates its adaptability and relevance across varying contexts [5]. In brief, the historical development and key principles of systems theories provide essential insights into the complexity of human interaction with various environments. Their multidisciplinary applications underscore the importance of an integrated approach in understanding and solving intricate problems, affirming the vital role of systems thinking in modern research and practice.
Because they are involved in the community, women are essential to community-based development. Because women may find themselves and continue to communicate and think in the community, their involvement can empower the community [6]. Agile governance has emerged as a pivotal concept in enhancing communication within sustainable systems, particularly through the entrepreneurial endeavors of women. The agility inherent in governance frameworks fosters an environment conducive to dynamic interactions and collaborative innovations essential for sustainable development. This review synthesizes current literature that highlights the intersection of agile governance, communication, and the critical role of women entrepreneurs in promoting resilience and driving innovation.
Akkaya and Bagieńska [7] articulate that agile leadership, particularly when manifested through women managers, leads to improved team effectiveness and interpersonal trust, which are fundamental for fostering a culture of agility in organizations. This environment encourages open communication, which is vital for sustainable operations. Similarly, Salamzadeh, Salamzadeh, and Hadizadeh [8] discuss how digital empowerment acts as a bridge for women entrepreneurs in emerging markets, facilitating enhanced communication channels that are crucial for environmental sustainability.
The textile industry in Pakistan, described by Gul et al. [9], exemplifies how agile strategic entrepreneurship capabilities can catalyze sustainable innovation. This reflects a broader trend in which the integration of agile methodologies promotes communication between stakeholders, ultimately fostering resilience against external challenges. In higher education, Shogran [10] notes that an entrepreneurial leadership style incorporating agile frameworks facilitates sustainable practices, indicating that effective communication strategies developed by women leaders can drive institutional innovation.
Chakraborty and Ganguly [11] deepen this discourse by exploring the role of women entrepreneurial innovation in rural India. They highlight how agile methodologies empower women to lead initiatives that not only enhance their businesses but also contribute to community resilience through effective communication networks and collaborative partnerships. These innovative practices are reinforced by Zahoor et al. [12], who stress the importance of strategic agility and gender diversity in facilitating communication and decision-making processes in small and medium enterprises, thus promoting sustainable practices.
The literature further underscores the significance of entrepreneurial leadership in creating sustainable business practices among women. Aris, Omar, and Seman [13] provide a comprehensive analysis of how women’s entrepreneurial leadership contributes to business sustainability in small enterprises, emphasizing the function of agile governance in facilitating resilient communication. Concurrently, Hendratmi et al. [14] analyze the survival strategies of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, pointing out that sustainable livelihoods enhance resilience, aided by effective communication frameworks established through agile practices.
Notably, Sreenivasan and Suresh [15] explore how start-ups are increasingly adopting agile readiness for sustainable operations, reinforcing that agile governance enhances not only internal communication but also external stakeholder engagement. These assertions are echoed by Akkaya and Üstgörül [16], who investigate the leadership styles of female managers in agile leadership contexts, confirming the potential of women to foster agile environments that prioritize communication.
The barriers women entrepreneurs face, such as the glass ceiling, are addressed by Mahadewi et al. [17], who examine how overcoming these challenges through agile governance can optimize sustainable business outcomes. Moreover, Isabirye and Mampuru [18] emphasize that agile resilience is essential for the future of human resource management correlation that further accentuates the need for robust communication channels.
In conclusion, the body of literature indicates a strong link between agile governance, effective communication, and the role of women entrepreneurs in fostering resilience and innovation. By embracing agile methodologies, organizations can better navigate sustainability challenges, making communication not only a function of governance but a vital tool for innovation and growth in sustainable systems [19,20,21,22,23,24,25].
The manner in which individuals communicate with their bosses and subordinates in professional settings is of paramount importance [26]. In modern business environments, systems thinking acts as a crucial framework that enhances communication abilities among stakeholders. Systems thinking enhances comprehension of interdependencies within ecosystems by adopting a holistic perspective, hence fostering more effective communication techniques. The interrelated structure of digital platforms enhances this effect, as they function as vital instruments for communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and other ecosystem actors [27]. Digital communication platforms enhance real-time interactions and augment the collective intelligence essential for innovation, emphasizing the significance of communication theories in achieving commercial success [28].
They argue that competent communication skills, supported by systems thinking, create synergy among many stakeholders, improving both individual businesses and the overall ecosystem. Zahra et al. [29] explain the significance of digital technology in enhancing entrepreneurship by demonstrating how these technologies facilitate growth through enhanced communication channels. They assert that digital platforms not only enhance the distribution of information but also enable the establishment of crucial networks for economic success.
The convergence of systemic thinking, digital communication platforms, and communication theories elucidates a comprehensive perspective on business ecosystems. These features jointly emphasize the significance of good communication as a driver for creativity and collaboration, eventually enhancing corporate outcomes across many contexts [30]. As entrepreneurship evolves, embracing systemic thinking will be essential for entrepreneurs to navigate effectively and sustain competitive advantages in quickly changing settings.
It is evident that the communication skills of women entrepreneurs are not only an individual advantage but also a critical element in the functioning of broader entrepreneurial ecosystems. The systems thinking approach considers individuals as integral parts of the social, economic, and technological networks in which they are embedded. This perspective makes it possible to analyze entrepreneurial processes not merely through individual traits but also through feedback loops, interdependencies, and multi-layered interactions [31,32].
Going even further, effective communication skills are pivotal for the success of female entrepreneurs, impacting their abilities to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Verma et al. [33] highlight that age influences not only perceptions of entrepreneurship but also the communication strategies employed by female entrepreneurs. Zhao et al. [34] also emphasize the relationship between age and career success, noting that stronger communication skills can significantly enhance entrepreneurial outcomes for women, particularly when addressing age-related biases. Shin and Zaur [35] reveal that female entrepreneurs across various age groups adopt distinct coping mechanisms to counter gender bias, often rooted in their communication approaches.
However, regarding the job positions of female entrepreneurs, effective communication skills are widely acknowledged as essential factors for success among women entrepreneurs seeking leadership positions across many industries. Studies demonstrate that these talents not only promote networking but also improve bargaining abilities, which are crucial for obtaining positions of power. Čuić Tanković et al. [36] emphasize the importance of soft communication skills in enhancing the motivation and satisfaction of women entrepreneurs, asserting that these skills are crucial for maneuvering through professional settings frequently characterized by gender imbalance. Furthermore, Cho et al. [37] investigate the motives and obstacles encountered by women entrepreneurs in South Korea, highlighting that robust communication skills are positively associated with professional success. This indicates that adept communicators can more effectively express their goals, thereby obtaining the support and acknowledgment necessary to attain leadership roles. Ajiva et al. [38] outline obstacles encountered by female entrepreneurs in the creative sector and assert that surmounting these problems via effective communication methods is crucial for sustained success. The convergence of communication skills and entrepreneurship influences personal paths and enhances organizational dynamics through the promotion of inclusive leadership practices. These studies collectively highlight the transforming potential of communication skills for women entrepreneurs in attaining key leadership positions.
In this context, communication skills function as a “binding mechanism” at the ecosystem level. For example, the networking practices of women entrepreneurs not only increase opportunities for collaboration but also enrich the overall knowledge flow and learning capacity of the ecosystem [39]. Institutional and regulatory structures are also key factors that shape the effects of communication skills within systems. Sterman in [40] notes that the long-term behaviors of systems often emerge from unforeseen feedback mechanisms. Within this framework, the communication competencies of women entrepreneurs with regulatory bodies become a critical factor in determining the sustainability of ventures. Similarly, digital communication platforms facilitate knowledge sharing while also enhancing entrepreneurs’ visibility, enabling them to position themselves more effectively within the ecosystem [41].
Briefly, the systems thinking approach positions the communication skills of women entrepreneurs not merely as an individual competency but as a strategic element that transforms the holistic functioning of ecosystems. This perspective opens the door to more inclusive and multi-layered analyses in entrepreneurship research, allowing communication skills to be evaluated across a wide spectrum ranging from individual success to broader social and economic impacts.
In this context, the question of how women entrepreneurs perceive their communication skills and entrepreneurship, and the relationship between these perceptions and communication skills, is seen as a research gap based on the systems approach. Examining this relationship within a scientific research framework is considered a research need.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationship between communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs. To fulfil this purpose, the answers to the following questions were sought.
  • What are the communication skills and the individual entrepreneurship perceptions of female entrepreneurs?
  • What is the relationship between the communication skills of women entrepreneurs and their individual entrepreneurship perceptions? And how do the communication skills and age of female entrepreneurs predict their perceptions of entrepreneurship?

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Model

In this study, the research strategy was adopted to be based on descriptive and relational survey models. While the descriptive survey model aims to reveal the current situation regarding the communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of entrepreneurial women, the relational screening model aims to examine the relationship between these two variables [42]. While the relational aspect of the research addresses the positive and significant relationship between communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perception, the descriptive aspect reveals the general profile of entrepreneurial women in terms of the variables in question and the differences according to demographic groups. In this respect, the research provides a two-way analysis aimed at both determining the situation and determining the relationships between variables [43]. The research was designed within the framework of the quantitative research method. The data were collected through structured measurement tools based on predetermined variables. In this respect, the study was conducted based on empirical and measurable data and aims to reach generalizable results [44].

2.2. Participants

In the Presidential election held in October 2025 in Northern Cyprus, the total number of voters was determined to be 218,313. This study aimed to reach the entire population of Northern Cyprus. No other associations related to women entrepreneurs were found in the research. Only the “Cyprus Women’s Entrepreneurs Association,” which was the sole organization used for this measurement tool, was found to be involved in this study. For this reason, a total of 176 members of the Cyprus Women’s Entrepreneurs Association represent the universe. All of this universe was reached, but a total of 145 members filled in the research data collection tools sent. When the age distribution of the participants within the scope of the research is examined, it is seen that the most dense group is 36–45 years old (40.0%). This is followed by the 46–55 age group (32.4%) and the 25–35 age group (17.9%). Participants aged 56 and over have the lowest rate, with 9.7%. This distribution shows that the research focuses on women entrepreneurs in the middle age group and that the evaluations regarding the communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions of this group largely reflect this age group.
Among the fields in which the participants work, the most represented sector is education (35.2%), followed by trade (30.3%) and government employees (11.7%). The number of participants in sectors such as tourism, health, and banking is lower. This finding shows that entrepreneurial women are largely concentrated in public and private education and trade, and that communication skills and entrepreneurship perception are more visible in these fields in terms of observing sectoral differences. 55.2% of the participants stated that they do not own any business. The remaining 44.8% own small, medium, large, or family businesses. This situation shows that a significant portion of the participants are interested in entrepreneurial activities or have a potential entrepreneur profile, although they are not yet business owners. In this context, it is understood that communication skills do not develop only depending on business ownership; they are shaped by factors such as individual predisposition, education, and experience.
The largest portion of the participants are those in director positions (45.5%) and employees (35.2%). The percentage of those in managerial roles, such as managers (11.7%) and branch managers (4.8%), is lower. Only 2.8% stated that they do not work in any position. This distribution shows that the majority of women entrepreneurs are actively involved in business life and have managerial responsibilities, and therefore, the relationship between communication skills and work experience can be meaningfully examined.

2.3. Data Collection Tools

Effective communication skills can improve individuals’ perception of entrepreneurship, and this perception can increase participation in entrepreneurial activities. The correlation between these two scores presents a significant domain for exploring the beneficial impacts of communication skills on entrepreneurship. Additional research in this domain to investigate these links comprehensively would be advantageous. Consequently, the scales outlined below were selected as instruments for data collection in this study. In this study, two scales with established validity and reliability were used to measure the communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of female entrepreneurs.

2.3.1. Effective Communication Skills Scale (ECS)

To determine the communication skills of the participants, the Effective Communication Skills Scale developed by Buluş et al. [45] was used. Permission to use the measurement tool was obtained from the authors via email. The scale covers five basic communication skill dimensions: Ego-enhancing language, active-participatory listening, self-knowledge/self-disclosure, empathy, and I language. The scale was applied to 445 students studying at Pamukkale University Faculty of Education; as a result of the validity analyses (item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and correlation analyses between subdimensions), the adequacy of the five-factor structure was confirmed. The general reliability level of the scale was measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and values ranging from 0.73 to 0.85 were obtained according to the subdimensions. These data show that the scale is valid and reliable in both theoretical terms and psychometric terms.
Three sample items taken from the scale are shown below.
Item 1;
Turkish “İnsanlara eksiklerini söylerken/iletirken olumlu özelliklerinden de söz ederim.”
English “When I point out people’s shortcomings, I also mention their positive qualities.”
Item 13;
Turkish “Konuşurken etkili göz teması kurarım.”
English “I make effective eye contact when speaking.”
Item 30;
Turkish “Karşımdakinin olumsuz bir davranışını, bendeki etkilerini ona yansıtarak göstermeye çalışırım.”
English “I try to show the other person their negative behavior by reflecting back to them the effects it has on me.”
The article related to the scale can be seen in Appendix A.

2.3.2. Individual Entrepreneurship Perception Scale (IDPS)

To measure individual entrepreneurship perceptions, the Individual Entrepreneurship Perception Scale developed by İncik and Uzun [46] was used. Authorization to utilize the measurement instrument was acquired from the authors through email correspondence. The scale was designed to measure university students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship and consists of a total of 31 items and 6 sub-dimensions: Planning, locus of control, self-confidence, communication, motivation, and self-discipline. The development process of the scale was carried out based on expert opinions for content validity; exploratory factor analysis was conducted for construct validity, and 53.32% of the total variance was explained. The general reliability level of the scale was calculated as Cronbach’s alpha coefficient 0.92. This high reliability value shows that the scale can consistently measure individual entrepreneurship perception.
Three sample items taken from the scale are shown below.
Item 1.
Turkish “Yeni başladığım bir işte geliştirmem gereken yönlerimi önceden belirleyebilirim.”
English “I can identify areas for improvement in a new job beforehand.”
Item 13.
Turkish “Yaptığım işlerin zayıf yönlerini tespit edebilirim.”
English “I can identify the weaknesses in the work I do.”
Item 30.
Turkish “Yeni başladığım bir işte karşılaşabileceğim engelleri önceden belirleyebilirim.”
The article related to the scale can be seen in Appendix A.
Both scales are structured to provide direct answers to the research questions and are based on both a theoretical framework and applied validity tests. In this context, the study data were collected with valid and reliable tools that comply with scientific criteria.

2.4. Data Collection Procedure

The data of the study was collected through a structured survey form aimed at measuring the communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs. During the data collection process, an attempt was made to reach the universe through SurveyMonkey.com in order to reach women who are engaged in entrepreneurial activities and work in various sectors.
Two basic scales were used in the survey form: one was designed to measure the communication skills of women entrepreneurs, and the other was designed to measure individual entrepreneurship perceptions. In addition, demographic information such as the participants’ ages, the field they work in, their status as business owners, and their positions in the institution they work for was also collected. The survey took approximately 30 min to complete.
During the data collection process, ethical principles were observed, the identities of the participants were kept confidential, and the data obtained were used only for scientific purposes. During the survey, valid data were obtained from a total of 145 female entrepreneurs. The obtained data was analyzed using the SPSS program.

2.5. Data Analysis Technique

The data obtained in the study were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0 package program. First, descriptive statistics were calculated regarding the communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs. In this context, the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values of the variables were determined.
To find answers to the sub-problems of the research, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in different group comparisons. With this analysis, the effects of demographic variables such as age groups, field of work, business ownership status, and job position on communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perceptions were examined. In groups with significant differences, further tests (post hoc tests) were suggested if necessary to determine the direction and source of the difference.
In addition, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to determine the level of relationship between the communication skills of women entrepreneurs and their individual entrepreneurship perceptions. The direction and strength of the relationship between these two variables were evaluated with the correlation coefficient (r). As a result of the analysis, the significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. In very strong relationships, attention was paid to the p < 0.01 level. Also, multiple regression analysis was used to answer the fourth sub-objective of the study.
With this analysis process, both descriptive and relational findings were interpreted, and statistically valid results were achieved in line with the purpose of the research.

2.6. Limitations

While the exact number of people living in Northern Cyprus is unknown, the total number of voters in the presidential election held on 19 October 2025, was reported as 218,313. However, only 141,504 voters actually went to the polls to cast their ballots. In other words, the active population can be considered to be two-thirds of the total population. A significant portion of the remaining population lives abroad. Northern Cyprus has a small population, so the number of civil society organizations working on women entrepreneurs is limited. This was considered a limitation of the research. Another limitation of this research is that it only includes entrepreneurial women. In addition, it is also limited in that the size of the universe is not sufficient to re-do the statistical validity and reliability study of the scales used.

3. Results

3.1. What Are the Communication Skills and the Individual Entrepreneurship Perceptions of Female Entrepreneurs?

In Table 1 seen that the general average for communication skills of women entrepreneurs is 127.06. The minimum value is 102, the maximum value is 167, and the standard deviation is 16.87. This indicates that the participants’ communication skills are at a medium-high level, with some differences among them.
  • Is there a significant difference between them according to their ages?
Table 2 show that it was found that there was a significant difference between the communication skills of the participants according to their age groups (F = 3.331; p = 0.021 < 0.05). The highest mean belongs to the 25–35 age group (133.15), and the lowest mean belongs to the 36–45 age group (122.19). This finding shows that age may have a statistically significant effect on communication skills.
  • Is there a significant difference between them according to the field they work in?
Table 2. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs according to their ages.
Table 2. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs according to their ages.
AgeNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
25–3526133.1517.28Between Groups2712.3753904.123.3310.021
36–4558122.1817.69Within Groups38,268.066141271.4
46–5547128.3414.11Total40,980.441144
56- and above14131.6417.08
Total145127.0616.86
Although differences (Table 3) were observed in the communication skills averages according to the fields of study, this difference was not statistically significant (F = 0.371; p = 0.868 > 0.05). This suggests that the communication skills of women entrepreneurs may be related to individual factors rather than the sector they work.
  • Is there a difference between them depending on their ownership of a business?
Table 3. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs according to their fields of work.
Table 3. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs according to their fields of work.
Work AreaNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
Tourism14127.429.58Between Groups539.0125107.8020.3710.868
Education51127.4717.36Within Groups40,441.430139290.946
Trade44124.5918.54Total40,980.441144107.802
Health10129.29.67
Banking9131.6618.84
Government Employee17128.2318.86
Total145127.0616.86
Although there (Table 4) is a difference between communication skill scores according to being a business owner or not, this difference is not statistically significant (F = 0.519; p = 0.722 > 0.05). This shows that communication skills cannot be explained only by structural factors such as business ownership.
  • Is there a difference between them according to their duties in the institution they work for?
Table 4. Findings on whether women entrepreneurs have communication skills or not.
Table 4. Findings on whether women entrepreneurs have communication skills or not.
Business Ownership StatusNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
No80126.117.6Between Groups599.2824149.8200.5190.722
Small22126.513.77Within Groups40,381.159140288.437
Middle14133.1417.2Total40,980.441144
Big13127.2317.37
Family
business		16127.1817.2
Total145127.0616.86
In Table 5 seen that a significant difference was found between communication skills according to job positions (F = 2.466; p = 0.048 < 0.05). The highest average belongs to the branch manager group (142.42). This result indicates that individuals in managerial positions may have more developed communication skills.
  • What are the individual entrepreneurship perceptions of female entrepreneurs?
Table 6 show that the average score of the participants regarding individual entrepreneurship perception is 113.41. The scores vary between 76 and 145, and the standard deviation is determined as 20.93. This finding reveals that the perception of entrepreneurship also varies at a certain level.
  • Is there a significant difference between them according to their ages?
Table 6. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs.
Table 6. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs.
NMinimumMaximumMeanStd.
Deviation
Entrepreneurship14576145113.4120.93
Valid N (listwise)145
In Table 7 seen that a significant difference was found between age groups in terms of entrepreneurship perception (F = 4.446; p = 0.005 < 0.05). The highest average belongs to the 56 and above age group (122.21). This shows that entrepreneurship perception may increase with age.
  • Is there a significant difference between them according to the field they work in?
Table 7. Findings regarding individual entrepreneurship perceptions of female entrepreneurs according to their ages.
Table 7. Findings regarding individual entrepreneurship perceptions of female entrepreneurs according to their ages.
AgeNMSD Sum of SquaresDfMean SquareFp
25–3526116.6921.26Between Groups5451.89731817.294.4460.005
36–4558106.120.41Within Groups57,629.275141408.71
46–554711819.83Total63,081.172144
56- and above14122.2118.57
Total145113.4120.92
In Table 8, there is no statistically significant difference between individual entrepreneurship perceptions according to the fields of study (F = 0.894, p = 0.487 > 0.05). This shows that the field of study does not have a significant effect on the perception of entrepreneurship.
  • Is there a difference between them depending on their status of owning a business?
Table 8. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their field of Work.
Table 8. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their field of Work.
Work AreaNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
Tourism14107.3523.99Between Groups1966.4425393.2880.8940.487
Education51116.4121.09Within Groups61,114.730139439.674
Trade44110.8121.11Total63,081.172144-
Health10120.512.62
Banking911623.4
Government Employee17110.5819.99
Total145113.4120.92
Table 9 show that there was no significant difference between entrepreneurship perception scores according to business ownership status (F = 1.049; p = 0.385 > 0.05). This shows that being a business owner does not decisively affect entrepreneurship perception.
  • Is there a difference between them according to their duties in the institution they work for?
Table 9. Findings on the individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their business ownership status.
Table 9. Findings on the individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their business ownership status.
Business Ownership StatusNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
No80110.6121.46Between Groups1834.8544458.7131.0490.385
Small22113.3121.32Within Groups61,246.319140437.474
Middle14119.4212.2Total63,081.172144
Big13117.8423.32
Family business16118.6821.35
Total145113.4120.92
In Table 10 seen that a significant difference was found in individual entrepreneurship perception levels according to job positions (F = 2.901; p = 0.024 < 0.05). The highest average belongs to the participants in the branch manager position (127.42). This finding suggests that job responsibility may affect entrepreneurship perception.

3.2. What Is the Relationship Between the Communication Skills of Women Entrepreneurs and Their Individual Entrepreneurship Perceptions?

In Table 11 seen that according to the Pearson correlation analysis results, there is a positive and strong relationship between communication skills and individual entrepreneurship perception. This result shows that individuals with high communication skills also have higher entrepreneurship perception.
Predictive results regarding the entrepreneurial and communication skills of female entrepreneurs and their age.
Multiple regression analysis results of entrepreneurship and communication skills and age of women entrepreneurs can be seen in Table 12.
Table 12 shows that the multiple regression analysis results in a correlation coefficient of R = 0.76 and a determination coefficient of R2 = 0.57. There is a strong and positive correlation according to the model. In addition, age and communication skills explain 57% of entrepreneurship. As a result of the Multiple Regression analysis, a significant difference was found with F(2.142) = 95.784, p < 0.001. Thus, entrepreneurship can be predicted as 3.104 × age + 0.924 × communication skills = 11.222. In conclusion, communication skills and age explain the effect of predicting the level of entrepreneurship.
Table 12. Multiple regression analysis results of Entrepreneurship and communication skills, age multiple.
Table 12. Multiple regression analysis results of Entrepreneurship and communication skills, age multiple.
ModelSum of SquaresdfMean SquareFSig.RR2
Regression36,227.497218,113.74995.780.000.760.57
Residual26,853.675142189.110
Total63,081.172144

4. Discussion

This study examined the communication skills of women entrepreneurs and their perceptions of individual entrepreneurship. From a systems thinking perspective, these findings can be interpreted not merely as isolated individual traits but as critical components of an interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem. Communication skills of women entrepreneur’s function as a binding mechanism, facilitating the exchange of resources, knowledge, and support across the network of stakeholders, including customers, investors, peers, and institutions. In this sense, individual competencies contribute to the dynamic sustainability of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, reinforcing feedback loops that enhance social capital, trust, and collaborative potential.
The study found that the communication skills of women entrepreneurs differed according to age groups. The fact that the averages of the 25–35 and 56 age groups were above the general average shows that age can affect communication skills. As a result, the age variable can be considered an important determinant in terms of the communication skills of women entrepreneurs [47,48]. On the other hand, the high scores of individuals in the older age group can be explained by many years of work experience, practical knowledge gained in human relations, and maturity in business life [36,49]. These findings reveal that age-related differences should be taken into account in the development of communication skills in the context of entrepreneurship.
In systems terms, age and accumulated experience can be viewed as stock variables that influence the effectiveness of feedback loops in interpersonal and organizational interactions [50]. Older entrepreneurs leverage prior experiences to navigate complex relational structures, reinforcing their network centrality and enabling more efficient information flows. Younger entrepreneurs, meanwhile, may act as adaptive nodes that introduce innovative communication practices into the network, stimulating novel feedback loops and enhancing ecosystem responsiveness [51].
This indicates that women entrepreneurs are sufficiently equipped in terms of effective communication, cooperation, and social relationship management in business life. Differences in communication skills may be related to demographic variables such as age, work experience, position, and field of study. It was seen in the analyses that some demographic characteristics had statistically significant effects on these skills. This finding shows that communication skills are not only a technical competence; they are a multidimensional competence shaped by personal and social factors [52,53]. In addition, high communication skills suggest that women entrepreneurs have advantages in critical areas for entrepreneurship, such as creating social capital, developing customer relations, and using business networks effectively [54]. Literature also supports this view; it is stated that communication skills increase entrepreneurial success and strengthen the quality of business relationships [53,55].
Within a systems framework, this highlights the importance of micro-level variables—personal competencies, cognitive skills, and social behaviors—that act as nodes through which resource and information flows are mediated across the entrepreneurial network [56]. Although business ownership did not significantly affect communication skills, managerial positions exhibited a strong effect, with branch managers scoring highest. This finding underscores the role of position as a network hub, where individuals with formal authority interact with multiple nodes (team members, clients, and investors), thereby amplifying their communication influence and reinforcing positive feedback loops that sustain entrepreneurial performance [57].
In general, it is seen that communication skill levels are close to each other across sectors. This situation shows that the communication skills of women entrepreneurs may be related to individual characteristics and life experiences rather than sectoral differences. Indeed, it is emphasized in the literature that individual factors such as personality traits, social environment, education level, and life experiences are determinants in the development of communication skills [58,59].
In addition, the fact that the variance is low in some sectors and high in others indicates that communication skills may be more homogeneous in some fields and more variable in others [60]. This suggests that individual diversity rather than sector dynamics is prominent. As a result, communication skills can be considered as a competency shaped by the individual development process rather than a sector-based variable. For this reason, it is important to include programs that are not only sector-focused but also support personal communication development in entrepreneurship training.
According to the research findings, the communication skills of women entrepreneurs showed small differences according to the status of being a business owner. This shows that communication skills are more closely related to the individual’s social competencies, level of education, and life experiences rather than structural factors such as business ownership [58]. Similarly, Lans et al. [59] emphasize that individual competencies are decisive in the development of communication skills. Therefore, efforts to develop communication skills in entrepreneurship processes must be supported by training and support programs that appeal not only to business owners but to all entrepreneur candidates.
The results show that female entrepreneurs in managerial positions have higher communication skills and that job position may be a determinant of these skills. Managerial responsibilities, especially decision-making, team management, and communication with external stakeholders, can support the more intensive use and therefore development of communication skills [61]. It is also noted in the literature that the job position has an effect on communication skills and that these skills play a critical role in business performance and entrepreneurial success [62]. Therefore, job positions can be considered as an important factor to be taken into consideration in terms of the development of communication skills. In addition, Within the scope of the research, an average level of result is seen in the communication skills of women entrepreneurs. These results show that the women entrepreneurs in the sample generally have medium-high level communication skills.
In the results of this study, it indicates that the meaning attributed to the concept of entrepreneurship among the participants and the levels of self-efficacy in this regard vary. The average value obtained shows that the perception of individual entrepreneurship of women is generally at a medium-high level. This may suggest that women associate entrepreneurship not only as an economic activity but also with personal competencies such as being able to innovate, taking risks, and acting independently. This diversity in perception can be explained by demographic variables such as age, position, length of experience, or the sector in which they work. In fact, in subsequent analyses, significant differences were detected between some groups. Therefore, this finding reveals that the approaches of entrepreneurial women to entrepreneurship processes are not homogeneous and may vary depending on individual or environmental factors.
The results show that women’s perception of entrepreneurship increases with age. This finding suggests that experience accumulation and self-confidence that develop over time can strengthen the entrepreneurship perception. The fact that entrepreneurs at older ages have gained more experience in business life, become more resistant to uncertainties, and have an increased sense of competence in managing their businesses may positively affect their entrepreneurship perceptions. At the same time, the perception of entrepreneurship as not only an economic activity but also an area related to individual development and independence over time may contribute to the strengthening of this perception with age. Therefore, the individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs differ significantly depending on age and are observed at a higher level, especially in older age groups. This result also reveals the importance of structuring entrepreneurship training and support programs in an age-sensitive manner. This finding is supported by other studies [63].
Since change is unavoidable in today’s world, the study of values has gained popularity across a variety of academic disciplines, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics, communication, and systems, as well as other social science disciplines [64]. The impact of a systems approach on women’s entrepreneurship is complex, especially among various age demographics. This viewpoint acknowledges the interrelation of multiple factors influencing entrepreneurial success, encompassing social, economic, and cultural dimensions. Young female entrepreneurs frequently encounter distinct obstacles, including limited access to funding and market opportunities [33]. Mature-aged women may utilize their extensive networks and experience; however, they face challenges such as ageism and family responsibilities [65]. The systems approach emphasizes the necessity of developing supportive ecosystems that address diverse age-related needs. Implementing policies and initiatives that acknowledge and tackle the distinct challenges faced by women entrepreneurs across generations enables stakeholders to leverage a broader spectrum of opportunities for business success [33]. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering sustainable entrepreneurial growth among women across various age groups.
The results, that the perception of entrepreneurship is shaped not only by being a business owner but rather by individual characteristics, personal experiences, and entrepreneurial tendencies. The fact that women who are not business owners can also have a high perception of entrepreneurship reveals that entrepreneurial identity has a potential and subjective aspect. Similarly, being a business owner may not always coincide with a strong perception of entrepreneurship [66]. These findings support the idea that the perception of entrepreneurship is not limited to the act of establishing a business but is closely related to the process of seeing and defining oneself as an entrepreneur [67]. Therefore, support programs for women entrepreneurs must be designed not only for existing business owners but also for individuals with entrepreneurial potential.
The General System Approach (GSA) provides a framework for analyzing the complex dynamics of women entrepreneurship, highlighting the interactions among different elements that foster resilience and success. Adopting a GSA perspective enables women entrepreneurs to analyze their business environments more effectively, resulting in strategies that enhance sustainability and growth. This approach promotes a comprehensive analysis of elements including socio-economic conditions, policy frameworks, and community resources, which are essential for enhancing entrepreneurial resilience [68]. The GSA facilitates the identification of leverage points within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling women to navigate challenges more effectively [69]. Adopting a systemic perspective enables women entrepreneurs to formulate adaptive strategies that enhance individual business success and contribute to broader community integration. Community engagement, driven by digital social innovations, has gained significance in this area, as it promotes collaboration and resource-sharing among women [70]. The implications of the GSA extend beyond individual achievement, highlighting the importance of incorporating community networks into business strategies. Understanding the GSA can enhance the resilience and success of women entrepreneurs.
In the study, a positive and strong relationship was found between the communication skills of women entrepreneurs and their individual entrepreneurship perceptions. This finding shows that as communication skills increase, individuals’ entrepreneurship perception also increases significantly. Especially in entrepreneurial processes, skills such as presenting ideas, establishing collaborations, and managing customer and investor relations require effective communication competence. In this context, individuals with high communication skills are more likely to identify with entrepreneurial roles and feel more competent in this area. The findings show that entrepreneurship perception is closely related not only to cognitive but also to social skills. Individuals with strong communication skills can better evaluate environmental opportunities, use their social capital effectively, and define themselves more clearly with their entrepreneurial identity [71,72]. Similarly, there are findings in the literature that communication skills play a decisive role in individual entrepreneurship perception [73,74]. In this direction, it can be said that entrepreneurship training should support the development of not only technical knowledge but also communication, leadership, and social interaction skills [75,76].
Similarly, perceptions of individual entrepreneurship varied with age and personal experience but were largely independent of sector and business ownership status. This suggests that entrepreneurial identity is a dynamic state shaped by cumulative interactions within the ecosystem rather than static structural roles. The strong positive correlation between communication skills and entrepreneurship perception (r = 0.746, p < 0.01) illustrates how individual-level communication acts as a catalyst for the emergence and reinforcement of entrepreneurial identity, enhancing the overall vitality of the system. Entrepreneurs with strong communication skills are better positioned to recognize opportunities, mobilize resources, and establish trust-based relationships, reinforcing multiple feedback loops that sustain both individual and collective success. According to the systems approach, based on the results obtained, a high level of systematic relationship is revealed between communication skills and entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the communication skills of women entrepreneurs are not isolated attributes but integral components of a complex, adaptive entrepreneurial system. By interpreting these findings through a systems thinking lens, we highlight how micro-level competencies influence macro-level dynamics, reinforcing the critical role of communication as a binding mechanism that sustains and enhances the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Future research should further explore how digital platforms and network structures modulate these feedback loops, providing additional pathways for supporting women’s entrepreneurship in increasingly interconnected and adaptive business environments.

5. Conclusions

The conclusions revealed that both communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions are generally at medium-high levels, indicating that women entrepreneurs possess strong capabilities in both individual competencies and social interaction within entrepreneurial processes.
The results show that variables such as age and job position significantly affect both communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions. Specifically, higher scores among more experienced and managerial women entrepreneurs suggest that these skills and perceptions develop through a systemic process shaped by experience, confidence, and managerial roles. Within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, individual competencies, social networks, and feedback loops interact dynamically, forming a system that should be considered holistically.
The findings also indicate that sector or business ownership status has a limited influence on individual entrepreneurship perceptions and communication skills. This demonstrates that entrepreneurship perception and communication competence are primarily shaped by individual motivation, social skills, and environmental interactions. Therefore, support programs should not be limited to technical knowledge or economic incentives; they should incorporate ecosystem-oriented strategies that strengthen social networks and facilitate knowledge and experience transfer.
Furthermore, the study revealed a strong positive relationship between communication skills and entrepreneurship perceptions. This suggests that developing communication skills not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens interactions and feedback mechanisms across the entrepreneurial system. Consequently, programs supporting women entrepreneurship should be designed with a strategic approach that considers all nodes and interactions within the ecosystem.
Policy and practical recommendations:
  • Network-oriented training programs: Communication and leadership skill development should be supported by platforms that bring together women entrepreneurs from different sectors and promote knowledge sharing.
  • Mentoring and experience transfer: Programs should enable senior women entrepreneurs to guide less experienced entrepreneurs, reinforcing feedback loops and systemic knowledge transfer.
  • Integrated ecosystem policies: Public and private support programs should be structured with strategies that integrate individual skill development with social network building and resource access.
  • Adaptive and age-sensitive approaches: Support and mentoring mechanisms should be tailored to different age and experience groups to enhance the adaptive capacity of the ecosystem.
In conclusion, for the sustainability and success of women’s entrepreneurship, individual competencies, social networks, and entrepreneurship perception must be addressed and supported within a holistic systems thinking framework. In addition, the most important conclusion of this research is that there is a high correlation between communication skills and perceptions of individual entrepreneurship for resilience systems.
Due to the sample limitation found in this study, it is recommended that the measurement tools used be updated to ensure validity, especially construct validity, on larger samples.
Finally, social support networks that strengthen the perception of entrepreneurship should be established. Platforms that allow women to learn from each other (entrepreneurial women networks, mentoring systems, etc.) should be expanded.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This research was approved by the presidency of Northern Cyprus the Higher Education Institutions Supervision and Accreditation Board for conduct on 2 April 2025.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

All data used in this research are available upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Appendix A

Articles detailing the scales used for data collection can be accessed via the links below.
1.
“Effective Communication Skills: A New Conceptual Framework and Scale Development Study”
2.
“Individual entrepreneurship perception scale: Validity and reliability study,”

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Table 1. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs.
Table 1. Findings on the communication skills of women entrepreneurs.
NMinMaxMSD
Communication145102.00167.00127.0616.87
Valid N (listwise)145
Table 5. Findings regarding the tasks of communication skills of women entrepreneurs.
Table 5. Findings regarding the tasks of communication skills of women entrepreneurs.
Working StatusNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
Does Not Working4114.2524.50Between Groups2697.5634674.3912.4660.048
Worker51126.5217.68Within Groups38,282.879140273.449
Branch Manager7142.4212.51Total40,980.441144
Manager17122.5816.87
Director66127.7715.36
Total145127.0616.86
Table 10. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their job status.
Table 10. Findings on individual entrepreneurship perceptions of women entrepreneurs according to their job status.
Working StatusNMSD Sum of SquaresdfMean SquareFp
does not work4101.529Between Groups4827.85641206.9642.9010.024
Worker51112.2321.06Within Groups58,253.317140416.095
Branch Manager7127.4213.12Total63,081.172144
Manager17102.0518.83
Director66116.4820.31
Total145113.4120.92
Table 11. Findings regarding the relationship between the communication skills of Women entrepreneurs and their individual entrepreneurship perceptions.
Table 11. Findings regarding the relationship between the communication skills of Women entrepreneurs and their individual entrepreneurship perceptions.
MSDN
Communication127.0616.86145
Entrepreneurship113.4120.92145
Correlations
communicationEntrepreneurship
CommunicationPearson Correlation10.746 **
Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000
N145145
EntrepreneurshipPearson Correlation0.746 **1
Sig. (2-tailed)0.000
N145145
** Correlation is significant at the 0.001 level (2-tailed).
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Terkan, R. Communication Skills of Female Entrepreneurs and Their Perceptions of Individual Entrepreneurship. Systems 2026, 14, 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010114

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Terkan R. Communication Skills of Female Entrepreneurs and Their Perceptions of Individual Entrepreneurship. Systems. 2026; 14(1):114. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010114

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Terkan, Remziye. 2026. "Communication Skills of Female Entrepreneurs and Their Perceptions of Individual Entrepreneurship" Systems 14, no. 1: 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010114

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Terkan, R. (2026). Communication Skills of Female Entrepreneurs and Their Perceptions of Individual Entrepreneurship. Systems, 14(1), 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010114

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