Explaining Entrepreneurial Intentions by Means of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Career Development International, Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 538-559, 2008

22 Pages Posted: 4 Nov 2010

See all articles by Wynand Bodewes

Wynand Bodewes

Maastricht Centre for Entrepreneurship, Maastricht University

Marco van Gelderen

Massey University

Maryse J. Brand

University of Groningen

Mirjam van Praag

University of Amsterdam - Department of Economics; Copenhagen Business School; Tinbergen Institute; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Erik Poutsma

Institute of Management Research Nijmegen School of Management

Anita Van Gils

University of Maastricht - Department of Organization & Strategy

Date Written: November 3, 2010

Abstract

Purpose – This paper sets out to present a detailed empirical investigation of the entrepreneurial intentions of business students. The authors employ the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), in which intentions are regarded as resulting from attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms.

Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used was a replication study among samples of undergraduate students of business administration at four different universities (total n 1⁄4 1; 225). Five operationalisations of intentions are used as well as a composite measure. Prior to the main study, qualitative research conducted at two other universities (total n 1⁄4 373) was held to operationalise the components of the TPB.

Findings – The results show that the two most important variables to explain entrepreneurial intentions are entrepreneurial alertness and the importance attached to financial security.

Research limitations/implications – Various research design features are used that result in better and more detailed explanations of entrepreneurial intentions.

Practical implications – Should one want to stimulate entrepreneurship in educational or training settings, then this paper’s results provide guidance. Several suggestions are offered on how entrepreneurial alertness can be improved and financial security concerns can be reduced.

Originality/value – The study provides detailed and solid results on entrepreneurial intentions which are positioned in the career literature.

Suggested Citation

Bodewes, Wynand and Gelderen, Marco van and Brand, Maryse J. and van Praag, Mirjam and van Praag, Mirjam and Poutsma, Erik and Van Gils, Anita, Explaining Entrepreneurial Intentions by Means of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (November 3, 2010). Career Development International, Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 538-559, 2008 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1702518

Wynand Bodewes (Contact Author)

Maastricht Centre for Entrepreneurship, Maastricht University ( email )

P.O. Box 616
Maastricht, Limburg 6200MD
Netherlands
+31641362124 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.mc4e.nl

Marco van Gelderen

Massey University ( email )

College of Business, School of Management
Albany Campus
Auckland
New Zealand

Maryse J. Brand

University of Groningen ( email )

P.O. Box 800
9700 AH Groningen, Groningen 9700 AV
Netherlands

Mirjam Van Praag

University of Amsterdam - Department of Economics ( email )

Roetersstraat 11
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands
+31 20 525 4096 (Phone)
+31 20 525 4182 (Fax)

Copenhagen Business School ( email )

Kilevej 14A
Frederiksberg, 2000
Denmark

Tinbergen Institute

Gustav Mahlerlaan
Amsterdam
Netherlands

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Schaumburg-Lippe-Str. 7 / 9
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Erik Poutsma

Institute of Management Research Nijmegen School of Management ( email )

Thomas van Aquinostraat 3
P.O. Box 9108
Nijmegen, 6500HK
Netherlands

Anita Van Gils

University of Maastricht - Department of Organization & Strategy ( email )

P.O. Box 616
Maastricht, 6200 MD
Netherlands

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