Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intentions of Women in Rural Areas of Vietnam

Abstract

Rural women in Vietnam face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to entrepreneurship. This study aims to examine the impact of different factors influencing women’s entrepreneurial intentions in rural areas of Vietnam. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) model was employed to test the research hypotheses and evaluate the proposed research model using data collected from a survey of 366 rural women in Quang Ninh and Son La provinces in North Vietnam, representative of plains, midlands, and mountainous areas. The research findings indicate that all independent variables positively influence the entrepreneurial intentions of rural Vietnamese women to varying degrees. In rural areas, women’s decision to start a business is primarily influenced by the availability of capital, which has the most significant impact (beta = 0.290). This is followed by perceived behavioral control (beta = 0.197), attitude towards entrepreneurship (beta = 0.189), government support policies they have received (beta = 0.159), level of knowledge and experience (beta = 0.154), and subjective norms (beta = 0.139) from others. The results of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers, business com-munities, and female entrepreneurs themselves. Relevant organizations, including ministries, departments, and local governments, should devise and implement targeted strategies to inspire and enhance entrepreneurial intentions among women in rural areas of Vietnam.