Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.31.1.3
Factors influencing entrepreneurial intention: A gender-based comparison of female and male undergraduates in Sri Lanka
Thilini De Silva
orcid.org/0000-0002-7925-3232
; NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
*
Sashini Gayanika
; NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
Henrik Hansson
orcid.org/0000-0003-1153-1870
; NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
It is evident worldwide that women’s participation in entrepreneurship is lower than that of men. The study
aims to identify the factors influencing the entrepreneurial intention of management undergraduate students
and to compare whether there are differences in these factors and entrepreneurial intention of male and
female undergraduates. The study involved male and female management undergraduates from Sri Lanka
and examined entrepreneurial intentions and gender differences. Data from 509 respondents were collected
via an online survey and analyzed using PLS-SEM and multi-group analysis s (MGA). Additionally, a two-hour
focus group discussion with 12 participants was conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis to gain
deeper insights into the phenomenon. All hypotheses were supported for both genders. The R-square value
of 63.1% indicates that over 50% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention (EI) can be explained by the
independent variables. Qualitative findings reveal that independence, family support, continuation of a family
business, societal contribution, power, and personal branding positively influence EI in both men and women.
Additionally, women’s entrepreneurial intentions are particularly motivated by success stories of other female
entrepreneurs and support from female peers, highlighting the importance of role models and peer support in
fostering women’s entrepreneurship. The study found that individuals’ perceptions of how others view them
as entrepreneurs (subjective norms - SN) positively influence their attitudes toward entrepreneurship (AT),
with differences observed between genders. Social group pressure on women can significantly influence their
entrepreneurial intentions and attitudes toward entrepreneurship.
Ključne riječi
Entrepreneurial Intention; Perceived Desirability; Perceived Feasibility; Women’s Entrepreneurship; Women’s Empowerment
Hrčak ID:
348069
URI
Datum izdavanja:
25.2.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *