Analyzing the Impact of the Psychological Characteristics on Entrepreneurial Intentions among University Students

Abstract

This study aims at assessing the impact of psychological factors on entrepreneurial intentions. For this research, the surveying methodology was used. The sample in this research study contained of 394 students from two universities (Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics and Jiangxi Agriculture University). The participation of respondents in this study was on a voluntary basis. Cronbach's Alpha of the questionnaire was 0.87. The entrepreneurial intention was a dependent variable while innovativeness, locus of control, propensity to take the risk, need for achievement, self-confidence and tolerance to ambiguity were independent variables. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and multiple regressions were employed in order to analyze data through SPSS version 21. Except for the need for achievement, all other factors showed significant positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions of students. No difference in entrepreneurial intentions was found between male and female students. No difference was found between business students and agriculture students about their intentions for becoming entrepreneurs.