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Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention of University Students in China: Integrating the Perceived University Support and Theory of Planned Behavior

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  • Yushun Su

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Zeren Zhu

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Jingwen Chen

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Yuanqing Jin

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Ting Wang

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Chien-Liang Lin

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

  • Danying Xu

    (College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China)

Abstract

Entrepreneurial education has always played an important role in developing entrepreneurship. In recent years, China has been emphasizing the integration of innovative entrepreneurship concepts into university curricula. Entrepreneurial education can also contribute to the sustainability of business development. In the context of “mass entrepreneurship and innovation”, entrepreneurial education is important to promote the restructuring of the economic and business model, enhance the development momentum, and follow the innovation-driven development path. However, whether the promotion of entrepreneurial education will lead to entrepreneurial intentions of college students, and thus, specific proposals for the promotion of the entrepreneurial education model remains unclear. Therefore, this study adopted the theory of planned behavior perspective coupled with perceived university support to extend the theory of planned behavior framework and explain the effect of such support on student entrepreneurial intention. The study results revealed that perceived university support significantly affected student attitude toward entrepreneurship, which signaled universities’ critical role in establishing entrepreneurial spirit in students. A significant effect on behavioral control was also observed for perceived university support. Regarding the effects of perceived university support on attitude toward entrepreneurship and behavioral control, the results revealed the effect was far greater on attitude than on behavioral control. Such intention was not directly affected by subjective norms. Therefore, a scientifically rational entrepreneurship course system is critical for effective entrepreneurship education. Overall, encouraging students to engage in the continuous process of entrepreneurship through entrepreneurship courses can concurrently benefit overall economic and social development.

Suggested Citation

  • Yushun Su & Zeren Zhu & Jingwen Chen & Yuanqing Jin & Ting Wang & Chien-Liang Lin & Danying Xu, 2021. "Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention of University Students in China: Integrating the Perceived University Support and Theory of Planned Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4519-:d:538786
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    3. Meqbel M. Aliedan & Ibrahim A. Elshaer & Mansour A. Alyahya & Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih, 2022. "Influences of University Education Support on Entrepreneurship Orientation and Entrepreneurship Intention: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Nabil Al-Qadasi & Gongyi Zhang & Ibrahim Al-Jubari, 2021. "Attitude of youth towards self-employment: Evidence from university students in Yemen," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, September.
    5. Li Huang & Xuchen Bai & Leilei Huang & Yangjie Huang & Guanshuang Han, 2023. "How Does College Students’ Entrepreneurial Learning Influence Entrepreneurial Intention: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    6. Yuan Zhi Seah, 2021. "COVID-19 and Its Effects on Attitudes toward Opportunity-Motivated Entrepreneurship: Before and after Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-13, August.
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    8. Yunlong Zhang & Asif Mehmood Rana & Hasnain Bashir & Ifraz Adeel & Shahid Khokhar & Jingyuan Ding, 2023. "Can University Students’ Psychological Resources Stimulate the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Optimism and Green Entrepreneurial Intentions? Moderating Role of Sustainability Orientation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-14, April.
    9. Kelvin Luka Nzilano & Hawa Petro Tundui & Daniel Wilson Ndyetabula, 2022. "Perceived university support and technical graduates’ intentions to venture into business start-ups in Tanzania: does institutional support matter?," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 12(1), pages 465-477, December.
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