Exploring entrepreneurship among Thai college students through the lens of theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and national development, making it a focal point of research within the social sciences, particularly in management. In Thailand, where Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the economy, nurturing entrepreneurship among students is a priority. College-level students represent a burgeoning workforce with the potential to catalyse new ventures and elevate national standards through their entrepreneurial zeal. However, there is no confirmation that all students are able to fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations, despite the potential contribution of high levels of entrepreneurial elements to business success. This study therefore aims to fill the gap in research specific to Thailand’s context regarding factors influencing entrepreneurial intention by utilising Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model to examine factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. Additionally, it explores the impact of entrepreneurial education and social and government support on shaping entrepreneurial intention. Through a quantitative research approach and data analysis of 426 undergraduate students, the study finds that attitude towards entrepreneurship is the most influential factor, followed by perceived behavioural control, social support, entrepreneurial education, and government support. Furthermore, the study reveals an unexpected finding wherein government support exhibits a negative relationship with entrepreneurial intention, suggesting potential deficiencies in current policies. The findings emphasise the significance of promoting positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship, enhancing entrepreneurial education, fostering social support networks, and reevaluating government policies to effectively encourage entrepreneurial intentions among students and drive economic development in Thailand.