Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention Among Graduating Students at Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia

Abstract

The present study is aimed at investigating factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among graduating students at Debre Berhan University. Little is known whether graduating students today are entrepreneurial. Notwithstanding the abundance of literature on entrepreneurship, factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among graduating students. Theory of planned behavior is adopted to specifically look at the effect of attitude towards entrepreneurship, perceived social norms and perceived behavioral control on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, entrepreneurship education and external environment are incorporated into the model as a moderator factors. The population used in this study was graduating students at Debre Berhan University 2018/19 academic year. The Sampling techniques weremulti-stage sampling and purposive sampling with a total sample of 240 respondents. The data collection used questionnaires methods with 7likert scale, while the multiple linear regression analysis was used as an analytical technique by using SPSS 16.0. The findings show that the main effects, namely attitude towards entrepreneurship, perceived subjective norm and perceived behavioral control have positive relationship and significant effect on entrepreneurial intention among graduating students. It is also found that entrepreneurship education has appositive moderating effect on entrepreneurial intention among graduating students. It also suggests the future is owned by risk takers and not security seekers. The policy makers, universities and students play pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and bringing attitude change in students.