Determinants of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Among Vocational College and University Students in Gauteng, South Africa: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has long been a key driver of economic development across various countries. Investigating the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour is essential for making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development. This study investigated the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour among university of technology and TVET college students in South Africa, utilising the modified theory of planned behaviour. Specifically, the study explored how risk-taking propensity, financial and non-financial support, media, and gender influence perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and behaviour. Additionally, the study tested the direct effects of perceived behavioural control on both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour, as well as the direct effect of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour. An online, structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilised to gather data from 496 finalyear diploma students at a university of technology and a TVET college, using a convenience sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyse the data and test the postulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that non-financial support positively affected entrepreneurial intention, perceived behavioural control, and entrepreneurial behaviour, while financial support did not. Risk-taking propensity significantly influenced perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial behaviour. The results revealed that the gender was negatively related to perceived behavioural control, and female students exhibited lower perceived behavioural control than their male counterparts. However, gender showed no significant association with entrepreneurial intention or entrepreneurial behaviour. Media had a positive influence on both entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioural control but did not significantly affect entrepreneurial behaviour. Additionally, both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour were positively influenced by perceived behavioural control, while entrepreneurial intention also was positively associated with entrepreneurial behaviour. These findings underscore the critical role of fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators to cultivate an environment that supports students in developing as entrepreneurs. The results can inform policymakers in implementing support interventions aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial capacity among the youth. Promoting entrepreneurship is vital in achieving sustainable development goals through job creation and poverty alleviation.