How Far Do Malaysian University Students Intend to be The Entrepreneur? A Structural Equation Modelling

Abstract

The goal of this study is to investigate the level of entrepreneurial intention and the factors in fostering students’ entrepreneurial intentions by looking at the elements of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and entrepreneurial knowledge. Data has been collected from students enrolled in Malaysian universities. The responses were obtained from 200 respondents selected through the convenience sampling technique. The Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique was utilised to measure the model using Smart PLS software. The respondents were asked to indicate their perception level on a 5-point Likert Scale, ranging from Strongly Disagree (1) to Strongly Agree (5). This study found a significant positive relationship between attitude, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial knowledge towards entrepreneurial intentions. The respondents consider entrepreneurship to be a highly desirable career alternative for people with their education. However, perceived behavioural control does not significantly influence entrepreneurial intentions. Remarkably, most Malaysian university students have a high level of entrepreneurial intention to start up their businesses after completing their studies. The findings of this study prove direct implications for entrepreneurship educators regarding the profile of students who likely have higher entrepreneurial intentions on stimulating start-up business activities for students.