Student’s Entrepreneurial Orientation and Intentions: A Study Across Gender, Academic Background, and Regions

Abstract

Purpose – This study is aimed to measure and understand the relationship between individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) and entrepreneurial intention (EI) among students of higher learning institutions (HLI’s) in India. This study is focused on understanding IEO dimension of proactiveness, innovativeness and risk-taking attitude and EI across gender, academic background, and regions. Many recent and past studies confirm that there is an apparent gap in the literature to understand this phenomenon among students of higher learning institutions. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a sample of 393 students studying in 35 different universities and institutions in the North, South and Western regions of India. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and ANOVA. Findings – The empirical result shows a relationship and a positive impact of individual entrepreneurial orientation dimensions upon entrepreneurial intentions. Controlling for gender, males depict higher perseverance toward individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial intentions. The same result was found for management and entrepreneurship students who also depict a higher (mean) t-value than science, engineering students. The findings of this study reveal a significant contribution to the academic literature by highlighting the influencing role of gender, academic background, and region upon entrepreneurial intentions. Practical implications – The study reveals that institutional culture, lack of academic rigor, regional difference, economic gaps, gender perception, and overall culture may be considered as bothering forces for entrepreneurship to grow via institutions. These forces, if eliminated, can help build an institutional environment helpful for entrepreneurial progression in the country. Originality/value – There are limited studies available in the context of individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial Intention relationship. This study provides the analysis for Indian regions and uses data collected from different universities and institutions of India.