The study of entrepreneurial intentions among graduating business students of Pakistan

Abstract

Entrepreneurial intentions are prerequisites for entrepreneurship, which is responsible for exponentionally profitable returns to entrepreneurs in small context and economic growth of the country in large context. This study identifies the future entrepreneurs of Pakistan by exploring entrepreneurial intentions among graduating business students of three HEC recognized universities and aims at segregating highly motivated students, possessing strong entrepreneurial intentions from students attracted towards salaried work. The variables are entrepreneurial intentions, dependant and gender, risk taking ability, entrepreneurial education and family background as independent. The study will identify the presence of entrepreneurial intentions by measuring the variables that influence entrepreneurial intentions among business students. The research is based on stratified sampling with quantitative measures using Entrepreneurial intention questionnaire (EIQ) as research instrument. Results showed that risk taking ability is the major contributor for entrepreneurial intentions; a family history of entrepreneurship also contributes in framing entrepreneurial intentions in students, similarly entrepreneurial education also influences students towards entrepreneurship and give birth to such desirability. Interestingly in this study gender is observed to have a no relation with entrepreneurial intentions. Both genders equally acquire the desire to become an entrepreneur, so classifying only men in high in entrepreneurial intentions is rejected in this research study. This research will provide useful implications for business institutions and deep insights for government and policy makers.