Parental role models' influence on entrepreneurial aspirations of Botswana female students

Researchers unceasingly identify role models as an influential determinant of students’ career choice. This paper discusses the influence of parental role models on entrepreneurial aspirations of female university students in Botswana. While studies have investigated the influence of role models on career intentions, there seems to be a dearth of information in this area, particularly separated effects of maternal and paternal effects within the Botswana context, hence filling this gap. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the extent to which their entrepreneurial aspirations are influenced by their parents. Building on social learning theory, a conceptual model was developed linking paternal and maternal business ownership; parent’s income level and paternal and maternal education level to female students’ business start-up aspiration. This approach generated five hypotheses to be tested. A questionnaire was used to collect data from female students from Faculty of Business at University of Botswana. One hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 76 fully usable questionnaires were returned leading to a response rate of 76%. Data were analyzed employing the Chi-square Test of Association. Data did not support any of the hypotheses, confirming that there is no statistically significant association between both fathers’ and mothers’ business ownership; level of income, and educational level with their children’s entrepreneurial aspirations upon graduation. Findings of this study are contradictory to the current research with a similar focus. For instance, research finds that the higher the parents’ level of income the higher are students’ aspiration in starting businesses. Reflecting on the socio-economic background of Botswana, the lower level of family income may encourage students to start businesses more than those who have higher parental income. In addition, not accounting for moderating variables such as social norms and beliefs and self-efficacy may also have produced inconsistent findings. By uncovering these differences, the current study advances the discussion on women’s perspective of venture creation in Botswana context. However, given this study’s limitations in terms of sample size and the investigated focus, it is recommended to extend the research to a larger sample and to include potential moderating variables to obtain a broader picture.