The Effect of Human Capital on the Relationship of Social Capital and the Growth of Women-owned Enterprises: An Empirical Study of the UK Regions.

Human based resources generated through social and human capital, in addition to organizational, financial and physical resources may lead to a competitive advantage for firms. Many studies confirm that firms grow through the use of their networks and contacts to become competitive. Similarly, a high degree of human capital has proven to bring several advantages for firms. To determine the impact of women entrepreneurs' social and human capital on the growth and ultimate success of their businesses, an online questionnaire was administered in the Greater London, the East of England and the South East of England regions. Initial data was collected through 517 on-line filled questionnaires followed by 42 face to face in depth interviews. The results of both the Baron and Kenny test as well as the Sobel test showed that the mediation effect of human capital on the relation of social capital and employment growth rate as well as sales growth rate is significant. The qualitative findings from the interviews conducted also supported the quantitative findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]