Decent work and entrepreneurial intentions in West Africa and Switzerland

Abstract

Drawing on the Psychology of Working Theory, the aim of this study is to assess the relationship between decent work, work needs’ satisfaction and entrepreneurial intentions in Burkina Faso, Switzerland, and Togo. We also test the applicability of the model of entrepreneurial intentions in these countries. Using a sample of 1,829 individuals we conducted structural equation modeling and multigroup analyses. Our results show that the model of entrepreneurial intentions is applicable in West Africa and Switzerland, and that it seems that perceived control and attitudes towards entrepreneurship are particularly important for entrepreneurial intentions. In all three countries, decent work contributes to the satisfaction of survival, social connectedness, and self-determination needs. Decent work and the satisfaction of needs do not seem to influence entrepreneurial intentions suggesting that other factors are important for the development of entrepreneurial intentions. The implications for policy, education and career guidance and counseling are presented.