Entrepreneurial intention as a function of university atmosphere, macroeconomic environment and business support: a multi-group analysis
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 23 October 2020
Issue publication date: 21 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of university atmosphere, macroeconomic environment and business support on students’ entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, it explores whether country moderates these relationships or not.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is administered on individual-level data collection through survey distribution. The impact of contextual factors on entrepreneurial intention, along with moderating effect, was examined by using multi-group analysis (MGA) in partial least squares (PLS) in an original data set of 1,352 respondents from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.
Findings
The results indicate that university environment and business support can influence entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, country did not moderate the proposed relationships.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s contribution enriches literature by providing insights on the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in the Central Europe context. Limitations may be overcome with further research.
Practical implications
Identifying factors that influence entrepreneurial intention can inform the design of effective policies to boost entrepreneurship and combat youth unemployment.
Originality/value
Understanding the contextual factors that motivate students towards entrepreneurship may inform the design of more effective policies. The findings of this study, particularly concerning moderating effects, are useful to scholars as entrepreneurial behaviour is proved similar across all three countries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors extend their gratitude to Shea Mann (London School of Economics and Political Science) for proof-reading and editorial support throughout the publication process.
Citation
Çera, G., Çera, E., Rozsa, Z. and Bilan, S. (2021), "Entrepreneurial intention as a function of university atmosphere, macroeconomic environment and business support: a multi-group analysis", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 45 No. 8/9, pp. 706-724. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-08-2019-0148
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited