Explaining entrepreneurial intentions in the Caribbean

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to highlight the need for Caribbean scholarship to advance and test social psychological models that speak to current entrepreneurial realities on the ground which have implications for theory, education, practice and public policy. It tests a revised entrepreneurial intentions‐based model by examining the impact of several socio‐cognitive predictors.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structural equation modelling approach, a revised model of entrepreneurial intentions is tested based on a survey of 376 university students from a Caribbean university.FindingsThe chi square difference results reveal that when compared with the proposed (revised) model, a previous model advanced by Krueger is found to be the most suitable model in explaining entrepreneurial intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional design of the study does not permit causal statements to be made regarding the variables examined. There is a call for longitudinal research to further examine the causal links between relevant variables in entrepreneurial models.Practical implicationsThis paper has strong practical value in that the results can assist students, educators, and present entrepreneurs in understanding the dynamics and processes involved in entrepreneurial decision‐making. This understanding can promote the development and maintenance of further entrepreneurial ventures in the Caribbean.Originality/valueThe paper also has a strong theoretical value as it relies on several socio‐cognitive explanations of human behaviour, and seeks to advance the theoretical field by using more rigorous analyses.

An Investigation of Entrepreneurial Intention amongst Arab University Students

“…Many scholars have indicated that understanding the relevant contextual factors can provide insights into the nature and dimensions of entrepreneurial climate in a country (Devonish et al, 2010). This study proposes that perceived situation will affect and influence the motivation to study entrepreneurship and consequently form the conviction to start a new business.…”

Characterization of entrepreneurial intention in university students as from Systemic Entrepreneurship Intention Model: a case study

“…The analysis of entrepreneurial intent is the key to explain the process of creation of companies (Devonish et al 2010;Liñán y Fayolle 2015) this is why various studies have sought to identify the key factors affecting individuals regarding the decision to start up a Company (Liñan et al 2005;Obschonka and Rodermund 2010;Valencia, Montoya and Montoya, 2016). These studies have been focused on aspects ranging from the determination of behavioral theories that leads a person to make decisions (Boissin et al 2011;Ferreira et al 2012) to the formulation of models describing the relationships and associations between factors affecting the entrepreneurial intent of individuals (Lanero et al 2014;Hui-Chen et al2014).…”

Entrepreneurship in the Tourism Sector A Risky Activity in French Overseas Departments

“…Entrepreneurship can be a sustainable tool for the economic development of the Caribbean [13] and yet there is a lack of entrepreneurial culture in the Caribbean [14] partly due to: the effect of colonialism and slavery [14]; the difficulty of accessing capital to fund new business start-ups; limited entrepreneurship training; limited tax benefits; highly bureaucratic procedures associated with starting a business; deficiencies in the micro financing sector; weak support from the black community and family [14].…”