Explaining entrepreneurial intention among agricultural students: Effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and college entrepreneurial orientation

Abstract

The importance of entrepreneurship to economic and social development is widely debated and acknowledged. Corporate employment has been faced by growing unemployment and disenchantment in the most developing countries such as Iran country, therefore more policy makers and scholars are turning to entrepreneurship and self employment as a solution to student unemployment. Entrepreneurial orientation of higher education institutions has the potential to change motivations, attitudes and focus not only in a student's capabilities but also in career orientation. Colleges therefore provide a window of opportunity for students to perceive entrepreneurial activities more feasible and desirable. This study aimed at explaining the entrepreneurial intention among agricultural students with the antecedents of entrepreneurial self efficacy and college entrepreneurial orientation. Statistical sample (n = 144) included agricultural students of Ahvaz University from Iran country which were selected with using random sampling method. Results of zero order Pearson correlation analysis showed positive and significance relationships between Entrepreneurial Self Efficacy (ESE) (r = 0.53, p<0.01) and College Entrepreneurial Orientation (CEO) (r = 0.25, p<0.01) antecedents with entrepreneurial intention among agricultural students. Also, results of structural equation modeling indicated that, Entrepreneurial Self Efficacy (ESE) had more contribution on explaining Entrepreneurial Intention (El) than College Entrepreneurial Orientation (CEO) among agricultural students (p = 0.40, p<0.001). Finally, it is recommended that the inextricable link between innovative learning environment and upgrading self efficacy beliefs in the six main components, should be strengthened through regular educational and administrative policy makings to foster entrepreneurial self efficacy and spirit among university graduates. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.