Explore repercussion of role models on entrepreneurial intention

Abstract

A decision to start a business is persuaded not only by individual characteristics but also through socialization. Inspiration an individual had via family, school, peers, mass media, public opinion, volunteer groups and spirituality play an imperative role in their career decision. However there is dearth of studies on influence of role models in mounting entrepreneurial inclination especially among students in South-Asian perspective. An attempt has been made to present a detailed empirical reconnaissance on effect of role models in creating entrepreneurial intentions among postgraduate students in India. The study employs the Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, in which intentions are regarded as upshots of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Data were compiled via questionnaire survey from 188 post-graduate students from science and non-science degree from a recognized university in Tamilnadu, India. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was worked-out to scrutinize the influence of role models on science and non-science postgraduate students’ entrepreneurial intention and the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention. The outcome of the survey divulged that there is a significant relationship between the role models and level attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms towards entrepreneurial activity.