Women Participation and Business Performance of Small Business Organizations: With Reference to Puttalam District in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study examines women participation of small business entities (SME) and its impact on the utilization of funds, record keeping and financial planning on business performance of small business entities. The objectives of the study are; to identify the women participation in SME, to identify the usage of funds on different business activities, to examine the business performance in terms of net profit and finally to identify application of an accounting information and record keeping of the business entities. The study has used quantitative research techniques and convenient sampling technique. The study has been carried out in Puttalam District where micro finance sector represent significantly. The sample consists with 150 respondents which represent the study sample and three major micro finance societies in thestrict were selected in order to get the sample. Research data were collected through a questionnaire distributed among the sample. The results suggest several conclusions. There is a high women participation in Small Businesses due to the nature of the business and living condition of the family. Second, an effective utilization of funds enhance business performance in terms of net profit of business entity and the growth of the SMEs. Further, the application of an accounting information system and the record keeping support business entities in decision making as it counts the business performance.