The role of social enterprises in developing economies, with consideration of microfinance institutions

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dc.contributor.advisorLakatos, Vilmos
dc.contributor.authorAlmhamad, Gafar
dc.contributor.departmentIhrig Károly gazdálkodás- és szervezéstudományok doktori iskolahu
dc.contributor.submitterdepGazdaságtudományi Kar
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-01T15:47:51Z
dc.date.available2025-10-01T15:47:51Z
dc.date.defended2025-10-16
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractMy dissertation investigates the role of social enterprises in developing economies with a specific focus on microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Syria. It highlights the challenges Syrian women face in achieving financial independence, including societal norms, gender discrimination, limited education, and restricted access to financial resources. My research demonstrates that women’s entrepreneurship is largely driven by necessity rather than opportunity, reflecting structural inequalities and conflict-related pressures. Using regression models, surveys, and interviews with Syrian female entrepreneurs, the study analyzes the socio-demographic and cultural factors influencing loan usage. Findings reveal that most microfinance loans accessed by women are consumed for daily needs rather than invested in income-generating activities. Inflation and currency devaluation further weaken the effectiveness of MFIs, reducing the real purchasing power of loans. Education and marital status emerge as critical predictors of loan utilization, with educated women more likely to invest productively, while married women tend to use loans for consumption. Social enterprises play a vital role in filling institutional gaps, fostering resilience, and supporting women entrepreneurs in the absence of strong state and private sector support. The research underscores the urgent need for innovative, gender-sensitive microfinance products that prioritize entrepreneurship over consumption. It also stresses the importance of mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to strengthen women’s business skills. Suggested policy implications include regulatory reforms, educational programs, and the adoption of flexible, inflation-resilient microfinance schemes. At the community level, social cohesion and women’s empowerment are identified as key drivers of inclusive development. The novel findings of the dissertation can be summarized as follows: 1. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to use individual level, large sample data on microfinance and access to loans in Syria. 2. The breakdown of loans disbursed into two categories - income-generating and non-income-generating - shows that women were the main beneficiaries of education/health/social (EHS) loans, while men benefited from the larger amount of income-generating loans. 3. Microfinance institutions in Syria are keener towards supporting consumption purposes rather than boosting entrepreneurial initiatives for women. 4. Social responsibilities, education levels and marital status are the main demographic factors which influence the effectiveness and purpose of microfinance loans, again stating the need for personalized and designed financial solutions. 5. Despite their few number, female-led business initiatives significantly can contribute to boosting Syria’s economic cycle, mainly in fields like services, health and agriculture. A multiplier effect was seen by Syrian women entrepreneurs through community cohesion, economic recovery and promoting social stability. 6. Socio-economic challenges accompanying the Syrian conflict have compel Syrian women to seek for entrepreneurial activities to shoulder their families, a case where gender roles are redefined. The dissertation concludes that despite significant barriers, Syrian women possess strong potential for entrepreneurship and financial independence. To unlock this potential, targeted support from MFIs, social enterprises, and international organizations is essential. Ultimately, the study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality, financial inclusion, and sustainable development in conflict-affected economies.
dc.format.extent148
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2437/397744
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectSocial enterprises
dc.subjectMicrofinance institutions (MFIs)
dc.subjectWomen entrepreneurship
dc.subjectFinancial inclusion
dc.subjectSyria
dc.subject.disciplineGazdálkodás- és szervezéstudományokhu
dc.subject.sciencefieldTársadalomtudományokhu
dc.titleThe role of social enterprises in developing economies, with consideration of microfinance institutions
dc.title.translatedThe role of social enterprises in developing economies, with consideration of microfinance institutions
dc.typePhD, doktori értekezéshu
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