American Management Association's Survey of Women Business Owners, 1978-1979

Respondents were from all parts of the United States, and most were under 50 years old. Nearly three-fourths were Caucasian. Of the 284 initial respondents, 95 women (33%) returned the 1979 SBA questionnaire.

Only 48 of these 95 can be matched to their 1978 responses. Business-related variables assessed included duties and activities; type of business; employees; gross receipts; how, when, why and with whom the business was started; capital and financing information; owner's relation with government agencies; present position; and household income. Demographic and personal information covered academic background, work history, marital status, childbearing history, geographic mobility, parental role models and influential factors, and the perceived adequacy of educational and work histories.

Finally, recommendations regarding the types of assistance desired from governmental agencies, universities, and other professional organizations were solicited. The Murray Research Archive holds numeric file data from both waves of the study.