Entrepreneurial Motivation and Entrepreneurship Career Intention: Case at a Malaysian Public University

Abstract:

Entrepreneurship intention for graduate student like many other job and work career options depends on other considerations. Literature reviews revealed that more research works are needed in examining the determinants of entrepreneurship intentions of students. This study is to determine the relationship between student’s entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurship intention. A total of 450 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the students of the various faculties, races and student seniority at a Public University using the convenient and structured sampling method. Finally, 413 duly completed questionnaires were returned and used in the analyses. Correlation analysis and regression analysis showed that strength of motivation in choosing entrepreneurship as a career option among the students is related with entrepreneurship intention. The entrepreneurial motivation factors affecting career intention to be an entrepreneur are made up of social norms, subjective norm, and attitude towards entrepreneurship. Subjective norm (tolerance for risk) and attitude (desirability) of self-employment are significantly related to both student immediate and future intentions to be an entrepreneur. However, behavioral control entrepreneurial motivation is found to be significantly related to student immediate career intention but not significantly related to student future entrepreneurship career intention.

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