Starting up a firm or not: Differences in the antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varamäki, Elina; Joensuu, Sanna; Viljamaa, Anmari
• Other Names: Davey Todd guest-editor.; Hannon Paul guest-editor.; Penaluna Andy guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Industry & higher education. Volume 30:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: antecedents of intention -- entrepreneurship education -- entrepreneurial intention -- start-up activities -- student entrepreneurship; Business and education -- Periodicals; University cooperation -- Periodicals; 378.104
• DOI: 10.1177/0950422216655046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4222

Abstract

Entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) and their antecedents have been extensively studied in student populations. The results suggest that higher education does not promote the formation of EI in students. This article examines the antecedents of intentions in two different student populations: those who are currently starting a firm and those who are not. Gender and entrepreneurial role models are used as control variables. Further, the article examines the utility of applying intention measures for individuals already acting on their intention. As a framework, the authors use Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour. Data from 3754 responses were collected through a self-administered questionnaire in seven universities of applied sciences from students representing eight different study fields. The results show that Ajzen's model performs better when explaining the intentions of those who are not in the process of starting a firm than of nascent entrepreneurs.