Influence of creativity, locus of control and risk tolerance on entrepreneurial inclinations of public university students in Nigeria: some implications for stakeholders

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the influence of three personality/psychological factors (creativity, locus of control and risk tolerance) on the entrepreneurial inclinations of public university students in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to reach 2,930 students in three public universities in locations across the country that positioned them as a representative sample of the entire student body of the country. The Creativity, Locus of Control and Risk Tolerance Questionnaire (CLOCRITQ) and the Entrepreneurial Inclination Questionnaire (EIQ) were the instruments used to gather data for the study. The main data obtained were analyzed by using a stepwise multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that the three predictor variables had significant influence on entrepreneurial inclinations of students. Among the recommendations made is the need to reposition the economy towards entrepreneurial drive for job creation, wealth creation and global competitiveness of the Nigerian youths in general and the graduate in particular.