The Influence of Psychological and Social Variables on Entrepreneurial Intention

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), entrepreneurship education, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention in Santander, Colombia. This research used quantitative methods to test seven research hypotheses reflecting relationships among variables, which we present in a research model. Our results are based on data from 467 adults from Santander, Colombia. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). All seven hypotheses—attitude (β = 0.188), perceived behavioural control (β = 0.360, the strongest predictor), subjective norms (β = 0.105), entrepreneurship education (β = 0.175), and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = 0.162)—were supported and were each significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intention; entrepreneurship education was, in turn, significantly and positively associated with attitude (β = 0.108) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = 0.122). The results suggest that positive perceptions of entrepreneurship education, attitude, self-efficacy, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are associated with higher entrepreneurial intention in the sample analysed. Because the study design was cross-sectional and based on perceptions, these results support the value of entrepreneurship education and related support initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial intention. By focusing on a broad adult population in Santander (Colombia), rather than a sample consisting solely of college students—as is typical in previous research on entrepreneurial intention—this study broadens the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), education, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a largely unexplored context, contributing new regional data to the existing literature on entrepreneurial intention.