Factors impacting entrepreneur intentions among university students in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This study examines how Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), Entrepreneurship Education (EE), Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE), Subjective Norms (SN), and Technological Knowledge (TK) influence Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI) among students in the context of Vietnam's rapidly developing economy. Additionally, the authors investigate the mediating roles of ESE and PBC in the relationship between EE and EI. Furthermore, the moderating role of ESE in the relationship between EE and EI is also explored. The study was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City. With 286 valid survey responses, the data analysis results indicate that ESE, SN, and EE significantly influence entrepreneurial intentions (EI). Additionally, the study suggests that entrepreneurship education (EE) has a strong impact on students’ Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and perceived behavioral control (PBC). However, the roles of PBC and technological knowledge (TK) in influencing entrepreneurial intentions were not supported. Furthermore, the mediating role of ESE in the relationship between EE and EI was confirmed, but ESE did not serve as a moderator in this relationship. In contrast, PBC was found not to mediate the relationship between EE and EI. The study also discusses its findings, limitations, and future research directions, offering practical guidance for enhancing students' entrepreneurial spirit.