Correlation between social support and entrepreneurial intentions: Evidence from private and public universities in Ghana

Abstract

Based on the assertion that not all social ties promote entrepreneurship, this study investigated the correlation between social support and entrepreneurial intentions among 352 2019/2020 graduating university students sampled from private and public universities in Ghana. This study adopted a quantitative approach using questionnaires and a correlational analysis. The finding was that social support and entrepreneurial intentions have a moderate, significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention among Ghanaian tertiary students; there was no statistically significant difference between students’ sex (male or female), birth order, and exposure to entrepreneurship on entrepreneurial intention. This study’s conclusions suggest that families and friends/peers are capable or willing to provide support to become entrepreneurs or are willing to use social support for venture creation. The findings have implications for practicing entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship educators, and policymakers.