Factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among graduate students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

This paper empirically assesses the relationship of entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents among graduating students of UTM. This study is based on the models developed by Davidsson [7] and Autio et al. [1]. Research framework has utilized the modified version of the original study. Work experience, vicarious experience, general attitude, image of entrepreneurship and other demographic variables are tested against entrepreneurial conviction and entrepreneurial intentions. This study supports the proposition that conviction is the strongest variable that has direct influence towards entrepreneurial intention, whereas general attitude has a significant influence as well as those male students with work experience were found to have higher entrepreneurial intention. Based on the outcomes of the study, the paper is concluded by giving the recommendations and a finalized model of entrepreneurial intention.