Measuring factors influencing entrepreneurial intention across gender in India: evidence from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Database

Purpose This paper aims at measuring the factors such as cognitive, economic and social recognition affecting entrepreneurial intention across gender in India. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the Adult Population Survey of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor covering 4,000 respondents on their characteristics, perception and attitude toward entrepreneurship and intention of individuals for starting businesses. The data has been analyzed using chi-square statistics and logistics regression. Findings The relationship among the perceptions toward cognitive, economic and social recognition indicates variation across gender. The probability of becoming entrepreneurs among males and females is significantly influenced by a variety of factors such as cognitive (self-efficacy, knowledge about entrepreneurs and fear of failure), economic (perceived opportunity, career choice and easy to start) and social recognition (sense of equality, status and respect in the society and social welfare) with controlling effect of age, family size, education, working status and household income. Practical implications This paper provides insights on factors affecting entrepreneurial intention across gender and helps in developing a policy framework for promoting new ventures among male and female entrepreneurs. This paper also explores the possibility of future research on entrepreneurial intention in the Indian context. Originality/value Considering the current focus of the government in the country for promoting new ventures through various schemes, this piece of research can be valuable for various stakeholders for adopting a gender-based approach in implementing entrepreneurial initiatives in the emerging economies.