The Entrepreneurial Intentions of Students in Central and Eastern European Countries

Extensive studies on entrepreneurial intentions have confirmed its importance in thedecision to embark on a career in entrepreneurship. Previous studies have emphasiseddifferent factors and their inter-connections that influence entrepreneurial intentions. Theuse of the theory of planned behaviour to explain entrepreneurial intentions has proved apowerful tool but considering the importance of different contexts and settings there is stilla need for cross-cultural studies. This research contributes to the literature on entrepreneurialintentions by exploring the differences between the Central and Eastern European (CEE)and developed European countries participating in the survey in the GUESSS project. Theresults show the unique effect of attitudes to behaviour on entrepreneurial intentions in allEuropean countries. Moreover, the results indicate a higher internal orientation in studentsfrom CEE countries and the lower importance of the judgement of other people in countrieswith relatively short-lived business experience. Finally, growing up in the environment of afamily business, increases entrepreneurial intentions in CEE countries more than indeveloped European countries.JEL classification codes: I23, L26, M13Keywords: entrepreneurial intentions, theory of planned behaviour, CEE countries, students