Knowledge is Not Enough: How Role Models Shape Female Students' Entrepreneurial Characteristics in the Aviation Sector

Abstract

This study explores the entrepreneurial orientation of female students in the aviation field through two distinct educational implementations: (1) a five-day intensive entrepreneurship training program supported by TUBITAK for 30 female high school students, and (2) a 14-week entrepreneurship course delivered to 20 female undergraduate students in aviation. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, combining pre-test/post-test quantitative data with qualitative interview findings. While quantitative analysis revealed limited measurable changes, qualitative findings offered deeper insights. An overwhelming 87% of participants identified the lack of visible female role models in aviation as a key barrier to entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The sector was frequently described as “male-dominated” and “resistant to innovation.” Self-limiting beliefs—such as “I would support others’ ventures but hesitate to initiate my own”—emerged as recurrent themes. These results suggest that conventional entrepreneurship education is insufficient to address the gendered psychological and structural barriers in male-dominated sectors. In this context, the study confirms that knowledge acquisition alone is insufficient; transformative impact requires psychosocial empowerment, visible role models, and sustained long-term mentorship. Accordingly, three gender-sensitive strategies are proposed: (1) integrating successful female role models into entrepreneurship education, (2) incorporating their narratives as case studies, and (3) expanding access to mentorship opportunities for aspiring female entrepreneurs in aviation.