Examining the Entrepreneurial Mindset and Entrepreneurial Intentions

Abstract

We examined factors contributing to developing entrepreneurial intentions (EI) and the relationship between EI and the entrepreneurial mindset (EM) among nascent student entrepreneurs. Further, we seek to increase awareness among business practitioners of the value of nascent entrepreneurs to the economy. Utilizing the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behavior, we investigated personal and contextual factors related to EI. We surveyed 400 US business college students, comparing those with EI (n=228) and those without EI (n=178). Our findings indicated that compared to respondents who did not have EI, respondents who possessed EI reported several significant personal factors. Specifically, they were more likely to view themselves as entrepreneurs, have family members who owned their own businesses, lead group projects as students, and have previously worked in a startup business. Additionally, the contextual factor of the Covid-19 pandemic positively affected business students who possessed EI.