The effects of academic environment through self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention: SEM-PLS approach

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has been the central focus for both policy makers and scholars alike for its role in economic and social transformation of a nation. University students are widely regarded as future builders of nation and thus, their role and intention towards entrepreneurship is of much concern. This study applies the theory of planned behaviour to analyse the factors affecting university students' entrepreneurial intention with the inclusion of university environment. This study aims to incorporate the various variables as a comprehensive model simultaneously analysing the relationships between using SEM-PLS technique. A quantitative research design was employed with the use of 317 sample of university students from Malaysia and China universities. The study explores the effect of individual factors: attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control; together with university environment on their effect on university students' entrepreneurial intention. The finding suggests that university environment is a significant influence of university students' intention to entrepreneurship as a career choice. A conducive environment and support within the university elevates student's belief in their capability to be an entrepreneur and the intention to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.