Individual and contextual predictors of entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates: a literature review

Abstract:

The aim of this article was to conduct a literature review to identify in empirical studies major individual and contextual predictors of Entrepreneurial Intent (EI) among college students. The theory of planned behavior was used, taking into account research that investigates students’ attitudinal disposition to develop their own business. The search was made using the keywords “entrepreneurial intention”, in the main international and national journals of entrepreneurship, psychology, organization, and administration and also in the SciELO database. The review covered the period between 2004-2015, and 60 articles were analyzed. The analysis showed an increase of 41% in EI studies between 2004 and 2015 in different countries and continents, which shows the increasing interest in the subject. The main individual predictors are: personal traits, personal fulfillment motivation, positive attitude, self-efficacy, perceived control, internal locus of control, perception of barriers, and creativity. Contextual predictors are the families and networks of friends, which operate as role models and support for the development of the business. Regarding EE (entrepreneurial education), the results are inconclusive, especially taking into account the context. The article concludes with some limitations of the study and points to be included in the construction of a research agenda.

Keywords:
Entrepreneurial Intent; Entrepreneurship; Literature review.