A preliminary study of the entrepreneurial intent of MBA students

This paper considers the entrepreneurial intentions of MBA students using Linan and Chen's Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire (EIQ). Philosophically, a pragmatic approach was used and the research design featured a purposive convenience sample of 249 students from one multi-campus Australian university. The psychometric properties of the EIQ were confirmed. The 'subjective norm' predictor variable of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) failed to act as an antecedent of 'entrepreneurial intent' (EI) as predicted. Practically, the unproven association questions a number of myths surrounding entrepreneurship, especially the value of networking with industry groups and agencies. It is recommended that education programs target behavioural characteristics affiliated with the remaining independent variables. The relationship between subjective norm and EI was not observed, contrary to other similar studies. Therefore, support from family and friends and networking may add little to EI nor the future success of the entrepreneurial venture