Factors influencing on entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates: special reference with arts stream undergraduate

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has been identified as the engine of long-term economic growth of a nation and it is leading factor in achieving economic growth, high employment, strong job creation, and positive social development. It drives and shapes innovation, speeding up structural changes in the economy. Small and Medium Enterprises are the breeding ground for entrepreneurs to set up their ventures for many reasons. As a result, a smaller number of successful entrepreneurs can be seen. Therefore, it is a timely need to promote entrepreneurship among individuals. Thus, entrepreneurial intention of individuals is of critical importance in today’s business environment. The main aim of this study is to find out the factors that influencing entrepreneurial intention among the undergraduates the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were identified through literature survey which influence the entrepreneurial intention of individuals and leads to selected behaviour. A total of 130 students from third and final year of arts faculty students of the South Eastern University were selected and collected responses through the questionnaire. This study reveals attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are influencing the entrepreneurial intention of individuals and this leads to selected behaviour which is important factors to be addressed in order to improve the entrepreneurial intention of undergraduates in the Sri Lankan context.