FACTORS AFFECTING ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENT AMONG STUDENTS - INITIAL FINDINGS FROM INDIA

Purpose: Building an eco-system for promoting start-up culture has become one of the key policy thrusts of the government to enhance economic growth and create jobs. This study has attempted to identify the factors that stimulate entrepreneurial intention among students. Design/methodology/approach: The model of this study includes the effect of demographics, contextual factors and the components of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on the entrepreneurial intention of the students. A sample of 158 students participated in a survey, consisting of questions measuring attitude towards entrepreneurship, locus of control, need for achievement, willingness to take risks and entrepreneurial intention. The data was collected during three weeks in the month of April 2018. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that need for achievement plays the most crucial role followed by entrepreneurial intentions, locus of control, willingness to take risks and entrepreneurial attitude for inculcating entrepreneurial spirit and mind-set amongst students. MBA students were more prone to entrepreneurial intent when compared to Non-MBA students. The study reveals that entrepreneurial education significantly influences students towards entrepreneurship and motivate them to become an entrepreneur. Research/practical implication: Our initial observation suggests that formal exposure to entrepreneurship courses and informal outside class activities significantly help in creating entrepreneurial intent among students. Educational institutions need to focus on building an eco-system conducive for entrepreneurship development. Originality/value: The study is original based on data collected from students pursuing their undergraduate and graduate studies in different years at Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani. The study has focused on examining entrepreneurial intent amongst students and implications of curricula offered to promote students' interest in entrepreneurship.