Theory of planned behavior: undergraduates’ entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurship career intention at a public university

Entrepreneurship intention for graduate students like many other job and work career options depends on other considerations. Previous literature reviews revealed that more research works are needed in examining the determinants of entrepreneurship intentions of students. Due to its importance and significant thrust to the economic development of a nation, research works on entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurship intentions have continued to be the focus in recent years. This study uses Theory of Planned Behaviour Model to determine the level of students’ entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurship intention at a public University and the relationship between these two factors. A total of 450 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the students of the various faculties, races and student seniority at a Public University using the convenient and structured sampling method. A total of 413 duly completed questionnaires that were returned were used in the analyses. The components of entrepreneurial motivation affecting career entrepreneurship intention are found to be comprised of behavioral control, subjective norm, and attitude towards entrepreneurship. The level of behavioral control is very good; subjective norm and attitude towards entrepreneurship are both at good level. Subjective norm and attitude of self-employment are significantly related to both student immediate and future entrepreneurship intentions. However, behavioral control entrepreneurial motivation is found to be significantly related to student immediate career intention but not related to entrepreneurship career intention. Planned Behavior Model can be used as a tool to identify the would be entrepreneur and target them for entrepreneurial development. Youths who are really serious to start and own a business as would be entrepreneurs can be identified and targeted through this Model to be developed through entrepreneurship interventions initiatives