WORK ETHIC AS A PREDICTOR OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INDEPENDENCE FEMALE VENDOR AT THE BANGKALAN TRADITIONAL MARKET

Abstract

Madura is an island that is famous for its strong culture and economic life which is dominated by the trade sector. Many Madurese women are involved in trading business, one option is trading in traditional markets. As a women trader, certainly faces various problems related to independence in running their business, such as the difficulty of getting access to financial resources, the difficulty of creating superior products, and the challenges of managing dual role as a mother and trader. It is important for women traders to have an independence character, and one of the factors that determine independence is business is work ethic. This research aims to find out whether work ethic may predict the entrepreneurial independence of women traders in Bangkalan traditional market. The participant involved 40 women traders at Ki Lemah Duwur market and Kwanyar market using a purposive sampling technique. Research data was collected using an adaptation of the Islamic Work Ethic Scale instrument developed by Ali (1992) and Yousef (2000) with an α coefficient 0.838 and an entrepreneurial independence scale referring to self-determination theory developed by Ryan and Deci (2000) with an α coefficient 0.858. Data analysis uses simple linear regression test. Based on the results of simple regression analysis, it is known to support the proposed hypothesis (F = 4,687; sig. = 0,037; p < 0,05), means that work ethic can predict the entrepreneurial independence of women traders in Bangkalan traditional market. Research findings show that work ethic tends to be high, this reflects the values and principles adhered to by Madurese society, namely dedication and a spirit of hard work. Developing a work ethic is beneficial for increasing entrepreneurial independence, the entrepreneurial independence of women traders tends to be high, this can be explained by the character of tenacity and perseverance possessed by the Madurese people so that they are able to survive in their business. This research provides implications regarding the importance of work ethic in women’s business success. This can help women traders to understand that an attitude of hard work, perseverance and discipline can help in achieving business goals.