Influence of entrepreneurship self-efficacy and proactive personality on intention towards technopreneurship among undergraduate students

Abstract

Several factors can influence a student's desire to launch a new technology-based business (technopreneurial intentions (TI)). When creating technical educational programs, it is critical to consider these areas in order to ensure that new graduates have job opportunities. The study investigated the influence of entrepreneurship self-efficacy (ESE) and proactive personality (PP) on TI among undergraduate students from two tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 440 undergraduates with a Mean age = 22.00 years, σ = 3.19, ♀ = 242) where conveniently sampled. 264 participants were selected from 3 faculties (Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Agriculture) in Obafemi Awolowo University while 176 undergraduates were also selected from 3 faculties (Faculty of Science, Faculty of Administration, and Faculty of Education) in Foreign Links College of Education. These students were from different States of the federation therefore, they are representatives of student’s population. The research method used was descriptive research method. Three standardized psychological scale were used for this study and these includes ESE (α=.82), PPS (α=.82.), TIS (α=0.91) scales. Data collected were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed a significant influence of ESE on TI t(438) = -8.16 p<.05. The result also showed a significant influence of PP on TIF (29, 410) = 12.618; p = <.01). It was therefore concluded was that these variables should be considered by the government and university management and other stakeholders when creating programs to reduce graduate unemployment.