Discussion :
Grant & Oslanoo (2014) theoretical framework is developed from an existing theory or theories that have been tested and validated by others. Moreover, theoretical framework is the researcher's lens to view the world. Whereas, conceptual framework is defined as the researchers understanding of how the research problem will be explored, the direction the research will take and the relationship between the variables. Furthermore, conceptual framework consist of the concepts, assumptions, and beliefs that support and guide the research design. Additionally, the conceptual framework identifies and constructs the epistemological and ontological worldview and approach of the research.
The topic I plan to pursue for my dissertation is the relationship between self-efficacy of African American women-owned businesses and their desire to grow their business by hiring more employees as a result of participating in an entrepreneurial education program. Ahl & Marlow (2012) use the feminist and gender theoretical frameworks for the bases of their article on entrepreneurial research on who can be and what might be an entrepreneur. The authors draw upon argument that reflect upon current approaches that theorize the broader field of entrepreneurship and gender research. Their findings suggest that the impact of gender upon women's business ownership confirms that entrepreneurship cannot be analyzed from a gender neutral lens. Ahl & Marrow (2012) reveal that future research utilize a feminist perspective to analyze not only women-owned businesses, but to the field of entrepreneurship as a whole. Moreover, the feminist theoretical lens will allow researchers to analytically engage with how gender interfaces with one's understanding and assumptions about entrepreneurial activities, behaviors, and aspirations.