An Analysis of Influencing Factors of Entrepreneurial Intentions and Behavior of Undergraduate Students at a University in Guangxi, China

Authors

  • Jun Wu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/shserj.2025.2
CITATION
DOI: 10.14456/shserj.2025.2
Published: 2025-03-21

Keywords:

Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control, Entrepreneurial Intention, Entrepreneurial Behavior

Abstract

Purpose:  This research aims to examine the factors that influence undergraduate students' entrepreneurial intentions and behavior at Guangxi University of Science and Technology. The framework contains variables, which are creativity, entrepreneurial education, personal attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurial intentions, and entrepreneurial behavior. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: A quantitative research approach was employed in this study, involving a sample size of 500 undergraduate students from Guangxi University of Science and Technology. Non-probability sampling methods include judgmental, quota and convenience sampling. Before the data collection, the index of item-objective congruence (IOC) and pilot test (n=50) with Cronbach’s Alpha are employed. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess model fit, reliability, and construct validity. Results: The findings reveal that creativity, entrepreneurial education, personal attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly impact both entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial behavior. Among these factors, perceived behavioral control has the strongest influence. Conclusions: This study recommends that university administrators evaluate the factors that influence student entrepreneurship and assess the developmental levels in this area. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for organizers and administrators of entrepreneurial activities in higher education, enabling them to promote student entrepreneurship and create more employment opportunities.

Author Biography

Jun Wu

Guangxi University of Science and Technology, China.

References

Aamir, M., Sarfaz, M., & Khawaja, K. F. (2021). Signifying the Effect of Relational and Experiential Cognitive Styles on Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Mediated Moderated Model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.762403

Aga, M. K. (2023). The mediating role of perceived behavioral control in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Ethiopia. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 12(1), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00297-w

Alabduljader, N., Solomon, G. T., Kang, J. H., Choi, D. Y., & Al-Abduljader, S. T. (2023). Cognitive styles and entrepreneurial intentions: A cross-cultural comparison. Journal of Small Business Management, 61(2), 738-768. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2020.1816430

Alam, M. Z., Kousar, S., & Rehman, C. (2019). Role of entrepreneurial motivation on entrepreneurial intentions and behavior: theory of planned behavior extension on engineering students in Pakistan. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 9(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40497-019-0175-1

Arshad, A. S., Ambad, S. N. A., & Damot, D. H. D. (2023). Determining Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics, 30, 415-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2212-5671(16)30100-9

Ayob, A. (2021). Institutions and student entrepreneurship: the effects of economic conditions, culture, and education. Educational Studies, 47(6), 661-679. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2020.1729094

Bao, J. N., Zhou, X., & Chen, Y. (2017). Entrepreneurial passion and behaviors: Opportunity recognition as a mediator. Social Behavior and Personality, 45(7), 1211-1220.

https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.6492

Barba-Sanchez, V., Mitre-Aranda, M., & Brío-González, J. D. (2022). The entrepreneurial intention of university students: An environmental perspective. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 28(2), 100184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2021.100184

Bentler, P. M. (1990). Comparative fit indexes in structural models. Psychological Bulletin, 107(2), 238. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.107.2.238

Biraglia, A., & Kadile, V. (2017). The Role of Entrepreneurial Passion and Creativity in Developing Entrepreneurial Intentions: Insights from American Homebrewers. Journal of Small Business Management, 55(1), 170-188. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12242

Burgess, A. M., Change, J., & Nakamura, B. J. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Within a Theory of Planned Behavior Framework. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 44(4), 647-665. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-016-9523-x

Croonen, E. P. M., Brand, M. J., & Huizingh, E. K. R. E. (2016). To be entrepreneurial, or not to be entrepreneurial? Explaining differences in franchisee entrepreneurial behavior within a franchise system. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 12(2), 531-553.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-014-0352-1

Duan, L. H. (2022). An Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior: An Empirical Study of Entrepreneurial Intention and Entrepreneurial Behavior in College Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 627818. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.627818

Duong, C. D. (2023). A moderated mediation model of perceived barriers, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, intentions, and behaviors: A social cognitive career theory perspective. Oeconomia Copernicana, 14(1), 355-388. https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2023.010

Feakes, A., Lindsay, N., Palmer, E., & Petrovski, K. (2023). Business Intentions of Australian Veterinary Students-My Business or Yours? A Cluster Analysis. Animals, 13(7), 1225. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071225

Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of marketing Research, 18(1), 39-50.

https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104

Gao, Y., Xin, Z., Xiaobo, X., & Fei, M. (2021). A study on the cross-level transformation from individual creativity to organizational creativity. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 171, 120958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120958

Geng, B., Huang, T., Jiang, X., & Fan, L. (2021). The Analysis of the Innovation Consciousness of College Student Entrepreneurs Under the Teaching Concept of Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 717336. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.717336

Hair, E., Halle, T., & Terry-Humen, E. (2006). Children's school readiness in the ECLS-K: Predictions to academic, health, and social outcomes in first grade. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 21(4), 431-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2006.09.005

Hopwood, C. J., & Donnellan, M. B. (2010). How should the internal structure of personality inventories be evaluated?. Personality and social psychology review, 14(3), 332-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868310361240

Hossain, M. I., Tabash, M. I., & Siow, M. L. (2023). Entrepreneurial intentions of Gen Z university students and entrepreneurial constraints in Bangladesh. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 12(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00279-y

Hou, F., Su, Y., Qi, M., & Wang, L. (2021). Entrepreneurial Team Knowledge Diversity and Creativity: A Multilevel Analysis of Knowledge Sharing, Individual Creativity, and Team Creativity. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 717756. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.717756

Hu, K., Junfeng, D., & Xiaojing, L. (2022). International students' university choice to study abroad in higher education and influencing factors analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1036569. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1036569

Hu, L. Y., Wu, J., & Gu, J. (2019). The Impacts of Task- and Relationship-oriented Personal Initiative on Entrepreneurial Intention. Sustainability, 11(19), 5468. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195468

Hu, M., Zhan, Z., & Fong, P. A. W. (2016). Planned behavior of tourism students’ entrepreneurial intentions in China. Applied Economics, 48(13), 1240-1254.

Khorakian, A., Hemsworth, D., & Jahangir, M. (2020). The Effects of Religious Orientations on Malevolent Creativity: Role of Positive Emotions and Spiritual Intelligence. Creativity Research Journal, 32(4), 421-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2020.1818491

Kong, F. Z., Zhao, L., & Tsai, C.-H. (2020). The Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Intention and Action: The Effects of Fear of Failure and Role Model. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 229. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00229

Le, T. T., Doan, X. H., & Duong, D. (2023). A serial mediation model of the relation between cultural values, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, intentions, and behaviors: Does entrepreneurial education matter? A multi-group analysis. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(2), 100064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100064

Lee, S. J., & Kim, H. L. (2018). Roles of perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy to volunteer tourists' intended participation via theory of planned behavior. International Journal of Tourism Research, 20(2), 182-190. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2171

Leiva, J. C., Pierrakis, Y., & Gil-Domenech, D. (2023). Nascent entrepreneurship in university students: the role of the context. Venture Capital. An International Journal of Entrepreneurial Finance, 25(3), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2023.2171318

Li, G. H. (2017). Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Improving Employability of Medical University Students. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 13(12), 8149-8154. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/80779

Li, L. N., Murad, M., & Shahzad, F. (2022). The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Intention Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Creativity. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(11), Article 822206. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.822206

Lin, Y. C., Liu, G., & Chang, C.-Y. (2021). Perceived Behavioral Control as a Mediator between Attitudes and Intentions toward Marine Responsible Environmental Behavior. Water, 13(5), 500-580. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13050580

Liñán, F., & Chen, Y. W. (2009). Development and Cross–Cultural Application of a Specific Instrument to Measure Entrepreneurial Intentions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 33(3), 593-617. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6520.2009.00318.x

Liu, B. S., Zhai, Y., & Li, L. (2023). Effects of Social Influence on Relationships among Citizens' Expectation Confirmation, Satisfaction and Acceptance under Different Urban Renewal Compensation Modes. Public Performance & Management Review. 128, 1-10.

https://doi.org/10.1080/15309576.2023.2209851

Longva, K. K. (2021). Student venture creation: developing social networks within entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition from student to entrepreneur. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 27(5), 1264-1284. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijebr-09-2020-0661

Martín-Navarro, A., Velicia-Martín, F., & Medina-Garrido, J. A. (2023). Causal propensity as an antecedent entrepreneurial intention. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 19(2), 501-522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-022-00826-1

Mead, M. P., & Irish, L. A. (2021). Intraindividual Variability of Sleep Opportunity Attitudes, Perceived Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Intentions. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 55(7), 693-697. https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa112

Mei, H., Zhan, Z., & Liang, T. (2016). Planned behavior of tourism students' entrepreneurial intentions in China. Applied Economics, 48(13), 1240-1254.

Mensah, I. K., Coata, N., & Olivrira, C. (2021). Exploring the Predictors of Chinese College Students' Entrepreneurial Intention. Sage Open, 11(3), 21582440211029941.

https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211029941

Miralles, F., Giones, F., & Riverola, C. (2016). Evaluating the impact of prior experience in entrepreneurial intention. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 12(3), 791-813. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-015-0365-4

Mohammadrezaei, M., Meredith, D., & McNamara, J. (2022). Subjective norms influence advisors' reluctance to discuss farm health and safety. Journal of Agricultural Education & Extension 29(5), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224x.2022.2125410

Neneh, B. N. (2022). Entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention: the role of social support and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Studies in higher education, 47(3), 587-603.

https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2020.1770716

Ngan, N. D. H. B. (2020). Extended Theory of Planned Theory of Planned behavior for millennial Generation Toward Entrepreneurial Intention. Management Information Calculation, 8, 83-92. https://doi.org/10.6285/mic.201908/sp_02_8.0008

Nguyen, T. T., & Do, D. N. (2023). Teaching for creativity and entrepreneurial intentions: an empirical study. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 15(4), 766-785. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-05-2021-0185

Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Pejic Bach, M., Aleksic, A., & Marjana, M. S. (2018). Examining determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in Slovenia: applying the theory of planned behavior and an innovative cognitive style. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja, 31(1), 1453-1471. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677x.2018.1478321

Peschl, H., Deng, C., & Larson, N. (2021). Entrepreneurial thinking: A signature pedagogy for an uncertain 21st century. International Journal of Management Education, 19(1), 100427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2020.100427

Puni, A., Anlesinya, A., & Akosua Korsorku, P. D. (2018). Entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy, and intentions in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, 9(4), 492-511. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-09-2017-0211

Rajkovic, J., Terek, T., & Nikolic, M. (2023). Big Five, entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial intentions. European Journal of International Management, 20(3), 475-507. https://doi.org/10.1504/ejim.2023.131704

Rodriguez-Gutierrez, P., Cabeza-Ramírez, L. J., & Muñoz-Fernández, G. A. (2020). University Students' Behavior towards Entrepreneurial Intention in Ecuador: Testing for the Influence of Gender. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(22), 8475.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228475

Runco, M. A., Plucker, J., & Lim, W. (2001). Development and Psychometric Integrity of a Measure of Ideational Behavior. Creativity Research Journal, 13(3-4), 393-400.

https://doi.org/10.1207/S15326934CRJ1334_16

Sampene, A. K., Li, K., Khan, A., & Agyemen, F. O. (2022). Yes! I want to be an entrepreneur: A study on university students' entrepreneurship intentions through the theory of planned behavior. Current Psychology, 42(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03161-4

Sharma, S., Mukherjee, S., & Kumar, A. (2005). A simulation study to investigate the use of cutoff values for assessing model fit in covariance structure models. Journal of Business Research, 58(7), 935-943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2003.10.007

Shen, J., & Huang, X. (2023). The role of entrepreneurial education in determining actual entrepreneurial behavior: Does TESOL amplified communication apprehension matter?. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1074774. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1074774

Sica, C., & Ghisi, M. (2007). The Italian versions of the beck anxiety inventory and the beck depression inventory-II: Psychometric properties and discriminant power. In M.A. Lange (Ed.), Leading - edge psychological tests and testing research (pp. 27–50). Nova.

Smith, R. M., Sardeshmukh, S. R., & Combs, G. M. (2016). Understanding gender, creativity, and entrepreneurial intentions. Education + Training, 58(3), 263-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-06-2015-0044

Sun, X. M. (2020). Exploration and Practice of "Internet plus Maker Education" University Innovative Entrepreneurship Education Model from the Perspective of Positive Psychology. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 891. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00891

Thorlton, J., & Collins, W. B. (2018). Underlying Beliefs Associated with College Student Consumption of Energy Beverages. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 40(1), 5-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945916686961

Tu, J. J., & Akhter, S. (2022). Exploring the role of Entrepreneurial Education, Technology and Teachers' Creativity in excelling Sustainable Business Competencies. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja, 36(2), 1-19 https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677x.2022.2119429

Wang, Y., Mundorf, N., & Salzarulo, A. (2022). Methodological research and model development on structural equation models in China's mainland from 2001 to 2020. Advances in Psychological Science, 30(8), 1715. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2022.01715

Weicht, R., & Jonsdottir, S. R. (2021). Education for Social Change: The Case of Teacher Education in Wales. Sustainability, 13(15), 8574. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158574

Wheaton, B., Muthen, B., Alwin, D. F., & Summers, G. (1977). Assessing Reliability and Stability in Panel Models. Sociological Methodology, 8, 84-136. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/270754

Woodside, A. G., Mir, P., & Coduras, A. (2016). The general theory of culture, entrepreneurship, innovation, and quality-of-life: Comparing nurturing versus thwarting enterprise start-ups in BRIC, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. Industrial Marketing Management, 53, 136-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2015.11.003

Wu, H. T., & Chen, M. Y. (2019). Course Design for College Entrepreneurship Education - From Personal Trait Analysis to Operation in Practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1016. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01016

Wu, J.-H., & Wang, Y.-M. (2006). Measuring KMS success: A respecification of the DeLone and McLean's model. Information & management, 43(6), 728-739.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2006.05.002

Xu, X. Z., Mao, Y., & Ye, Y. (2016). Factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese secondary school students: an empirical study. Asia Pacific Education Review, 17(4), 625-635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-016-9439-4

Yachin, J. M. (2019). The entrepreneur-opportunity nexus: discovering the forces that promote product innovations in rural micro-tourism firms. Scandinavian journal of hospitality and tourism, 19(1), 47-65. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2017.1383936

Ye, L., & Dong, X. Y. (2021). The Impact of Cross-Cultural Adaptation on the Psychology and Entrepreneurial Intention of Venture Entrepreneurs. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 705075. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.705075

Zhang, B. G., Han, S., & Xu, Q. (2021). Construction of Innovation Behavior of College-Student Entrepreneurs Using Entrepreneurship and Innovation Theory Under Educational Psychology. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 697924. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.697924

Zhang, J. P., & Huang, J. H. (2021). Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Mediates the Impact of the Post-pandemic Entrepreneurship Environment on College Students' Entrepreneurial Intention. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643184. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643184

Zisser, M. R., Jonas, E., & Brantl, M. (2019). The relationship between entrepreneurial intent, gender, and personality. Gender in Management, 34(8), 666-684.

https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-08-2018-0105

Zulfiqar, S., Sarwar, B., & Khan, M. K. (2019). An Analysis of Influence of Business Simulation Games on Business School Students' Attitude and Intention Toward Entrepreneurial Activities. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 57(1), 106-130. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633117746746

Downloads

Published

2025-03-21

How to Cite

Wu, J. (2025). An Analysis of Influencing Factors of Entrepreneurial Intentions and Behavior of Undergraduate Students at a University in Guangxi, China. Scholar: Human Sciences, 17(1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.14456/shserj.2025.2