Factors affecting entrepreneurial intentions among students in higher education institutions

PurposeThis paper investigates the factors affecting individual dispositions toward intentions. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the effects of emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity on the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 745 university students in Jordan. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares (PLS) analysis.FindingsThe results indicate a robust relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and creativity and entrepreneurial intention. However, an insignificant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention. The findings of this study reveal that both creativity and emotional intelligence exert a significant and positive indirect effect on entrepreneurial intentions through the mediation of entrepreneurial motivation.Practical implicationsThis work suggests that university administrators should consider the significant roles that emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity play in shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of university students.Originality/valueWhile there is limited existing research on this matter within the Middle Eastern context, especially in Jordan, this study aims to address this gap in the Jordanian entrepreneurial literature. As the first of its kind conducted within Jordanian universities, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics in the region. Using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, this study evaluates emotional intelligence in Jordan. The results contribute to social psychology literature and suggest actionable government measures, integrated into education systems, to encourage entrepreneurial paths for students and alleviate graduate unemployment.