Contextual factors, individual psychological attributes and entrepreneurial intentions among the management students of Nepalese Universities

Abstract

The dissertation entitled "Contextual Factors, Individual psychological Attributes and Entrepreneurial intentions among the Management Students of Nepalese universities" aimed to analyses the influence of contextual factors and individual psychological attributes variables on entrepreneurial intentions among the management students of Nepalese universities. It presents a structural model that has been developed from a set of management student perceptions. The study utilized a combination of critical literature analysis and statistical research. To conduct the research, a causal quantitative methodology called structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied using the SMART-PLS 4 program. Additionally, factor analysis was used as a descriptive methodology. Research conducted on a sample of over 300 Nepalese students has shown that all individual psychological attribute factors are statistically significant in assessing the entrepreneurial intentions of management students of Nepalese universities. As the results show, contextual factors positively influence students' psychological attributes. The individual psychological attributes positively influence entrepreneurial intentions among the management students of Nepalese universities. The results suppose both theoretical and practical implications for encouraging university students to become entrepreneurs, whether in or outside of an academic setting. To promote entrepreneurship among students, universities should prioritize cultivating a positive mind set towards entrepreneurship and emphasize that despite the challenges involved in starting a business, entrepreneurship can be a worthwhile and appealing option. Entrepreneurship programs offered by universities should thus focus on shaping the attitudes of potential entrepreneurs. In the study, the personal and contextual factors influencing the entrepreneurial intentions of students were taken into account. The causal model generated on a sample of 300 management students of Nepalese universities shows the importance of individual factors on entrepreneurial intentions and the impact of contextual constructs on individual psychological attributes. Contextual factors vis-à-vis education, public policy, and business environment were found to have a positive impact on individual psychological attributes vis-à-vis attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms as well as entrepreneurial intentions.