Abstract
This paper starts from Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior to test the role of different perceptions on the individual’s intention to become an entrepreneur. Support has most often been found for this theory in the field of entrepreneurship. However, little is yet known about the way in which perceptions are formed. It may be argued that social values regarding entrepreneurship, and also personal skill perceptions, would both affect entrepreneurial intentions. Our objective, therefore, is testing the existence and reach of both effects. Empirical analysis has been carried out on a sample of 249 university students. Structural equations models have been used to test our hypotheses. Results generally confirm them, since values and skills do play a significant role in explaining intention. However, the role of perceived skills seems to be more relevant. Implications may be derived in several areas, and especially regarding entrepreneurship education.
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Acknowledgement
A previous version of this paper was presented at the 2007 IntEnt Conference in Gdansk (Poland). We are most grateful to several participants for their comments and suggestions, which have decisively contributed to improve the final version of this manuscript. Of course, any mistakes or errors that remain are completely the authors’ responsibility.
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Appendix: Questionnaire items
Original in Spanish
Appendix: Questionnaire items
A. Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements about the entrepreneurial activity from 1 (total disagreement) to 7 (total agreement).
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
A01. Starting a firm and keeping it viable would be easy for me | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A02. A career as an entrepreneur is totally unattractive to me | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A03. My friends would approve of my decision to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A04. I am ready to do anything to be an entrepreneur | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A05. I believe I would be completely unable to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A06. I will make every effort to start and run my own business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A07. I am able to control the creation process of a new business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A08. My immediate family would approve of my decision to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A09. I have serious doubts about ever starting my own business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A10. If I had the opportunity and resources, I would love to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A11. My colleagues would approve of my decision to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A12. Amongst various options, I would rather be anything but an entrepreneur | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A13. I am determined to create a business venture in the future | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A14. If I tried to start a business, I would have a high chance of being successful | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A15. Being an entrepreneur would give me great satisfaction | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A16. It would be very difficult for me to develop a business idea | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A17. My professional goal is to be an entrepreneur | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A18. Being an entrepreneur implies more advantages than disadvantages to me | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A19. I have a very low intention of ever starting a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
A20. I know all about the practical details needed to start a business | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C. Indicate your level of agreement with the following sentences about the values society put on entrepreneurship from 1 (total disagreement) to 7 (total agreement).
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
C1. My immediate family values entrepreneurial activity above other activities and careers | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C2. The culture in my country is highly favorable towards the entrepreneurial activity | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C3. The entrepreneur’s role in the economy is generally undervalued in my country | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C4. My friends value entrepreneurial activity above other activities and careers | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C5. Most people in my country consider it unacceptable to be an entrepreneur | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C6. In my country, entrepreneurial activity is considered to be worthwhile, despite the risks | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C7. My colleagues value entrepreneurial activity above other activities and careers | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
C8. It is commonly thought in my country that entrepreneurs take advantage of others | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D. How do you rate yourself on the following entrepreneurial abilities/skill sets? Indicate from 1 (no aptitude at all) to 7 (very high aptitude).
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
D1. Recognition of opportunity | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D2. Creativity | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D3. Problem solving skills | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D4. Leadership and communication skills | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D5. Development of new products and services | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
D6. Networking skills, and making professional contacts | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ |
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Liñán, F. Skill and value perceptions: how do they affect entrepreneurial intentions?. Int Entrep Manage J 4, 257–272 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-008-0093-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-008-0093-0