Agripreneurial intentions of Generation Z: the case of Indonesia

Purpose. This study aims to identify and assess the factors that influence the motivation, organisational culture, and commitment of Generation Z in relation to their agripreneurial intentions using the case of Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. Methodology / approach. This study used a case study approach, focusing on Generation Z students enrolled in the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th semesters of the Agribusiness Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture of the Gorontalo State University. The sample was selected using the Slovin’s formula, with an alpha level of 5%, resulting in a sample size of 149 respondents. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to analyse the data using the Linear Structural Relationship (LISREL) analysis tool. Results. The research results showed that motivation has a significant effect on commitment (p = 0.005) and significantly influences agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). The results also showed that motivation has a significant effect on campus organisational culture (p = 0.003). However, neither commitment nor organisational culture has a direct effect on agripreneurial intention (p = 0.115). When considered as a mediating variable between motivation and agripreneurial intention, organisational culture has a significant impact on agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). Similarly, commitment, when acting as a mediating variable, also substantially affects agripreneurial intention (p = 0.001). These findings suggest that motivation, commitment, and organisational culture can collectively enhance agripreneurial intention. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty of this study is related to the following aspects: (1) the analysis focused on the variable agripreneurial intention, whereas previous research measured entrepreneurial intention in general; (2) the respondents were Generation Z, as previous research has only considered the entrepreneurial intention in the younger generation broadly; (3) the respondents were agribusiness students in their 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th semesters, while previous research on the younger generation did not consider their educational background. This study provides new insights about generation Z (college student background) intention in agriculture and becoming agripreneurs. Practical value / implications. The implications of the results contribute to the preparation of prospective agripreneurs from Generation Z by identifying variables influencing agripreneurial intention. Consequently, the ongoing crisis of declining interest among young agripreneurs can be addressed through strategic interventions within the agribusiness academic environment of the Faculty of Agriculture.