The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intention among Engineering Students

Abstract

Abstract. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention amongst engineering students from Public Higher Educational Institution (PHEI) in Malaysia. This study employs a quantitative method using the questionnaire instrument. Data is obtained from 345 respondents comprising of final year students from various public institutes of higher learning in Malaysia. Findings revealed that the students from these public institutes demonstrated a high interest in entrepreneurial intention (mean=3.67, SD=.54) and a moderate level of sel-efficacy (mean=3.22, SD=.71). Findings also pointed out that self-efficacy is significantly associated with entrepreneurial intention (β=.45, p<.01) as exhibited by the engineering students in these institutes. These findings further reinforces an element of Bandura Social Learning Theory which states that self-efficacy is able to influence the entrepreneurial intention amongst engineering students in public institutions. As a result, public instituitions can emphasize strategies to increase the degree of self-efficacy amongst students to enhance the level of entrepreneurial intention. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are also discussed along with recommendations for the further improvement of institution management.

Role of entrepreneurship education on students intention and mediating effect of self-efficacy

“…Likewise, Krithika and Venkatachalam (2014) asserted that in Bangalore subjective norm plays a key role and influences the entrepreneurial intention of business students. Furthermore, the findings of the study done by Rudhumbu et al (2016) showed that entrepreneurship education inspired subjective norm of students and intentions towards entrepreneurship (Saraih et al, 2018).…”

“…Krueger et al (2000) described this antecedent like the ambition of a person to generate new value in the existing organization by carrying out entrepreneurial behavior (Mohammed et al, 2017). Generally, a more positive attitude towards behavior, the stronger persons have the intention to carry out behavior (Saraih et al, 2018). For instance, Rudhumbu et al (2016) demonstrated that the positive attitude of students about entrepreneurship education proves to become entrepreneurs when they accomplish their studies.…”

“…The subjective norm is described as professed social pressure to carry out or not the behavior (Saraih et al, 2018). Subjective norms demonstrate social factors which influence a person (Mohammed et al, 2017).…”

Contributions of Understanding of Entrepreneurship, Interest in Entrepreneurship, and Self Efficacy to Entrepreneurial Readiness in the Age of the Industrial Revolution 4.0

“…In addition, it is found that engineering students have high attitude towards entrepreneurship compared to other factors such as support and resistance, locus of control, the need for achievement, entrepreneurship intentions, instrumental readiness and subjective norms [9]. Self-efficacy is capable to influence interest in entrepreneurship among students [7]. Other studies show that understanding of entrepreneurship has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial attitudes and perceived social norms [8].…”

“…However, the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia is still low. The changing from the global business environment to the digital era or the Industrial Revolution 4.0 requires companies and non-profit organizations in Indonesia to adapt and align strategies with their organizational human capital [6], [7].…”