Assessing the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduates in Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Entrepreneurial Intention reflects one's planned decision to start a business. Although interest among students is on the rise, limited resources, practical exposure, and a fear of failure pre!'ent intentions frorn being translated into actual entrepreneurial action. The limited localized evidence on the entrepreneurial orientation among Eastem University students forms a critical research gap that needs deeper investigation to understand the current traits influencing entrepreneurial intention. Accordingly, the objectives were to assess the level of Entrepreneurial Orientation, explore the interrelationslrips among its dimensions and ascertain how these factors influence entrepreneurial intention. A quantitative research design rvas employed, involving the administration of a structured questionnaire to 300 students selected frorn eight designated faculties through stratified random sampling. The data analysis rvas conducted using descriptive statistics" correlation and multiple regression in SPSS 22.0. Measurement scales were adapted from previously validated studies. Ethical standards u'ere maintained throughout. The results indicated high innovativeness (M : 16. 1 8) and autonomy (M: 16.04), while the lorner means in risk-taking (M": 11.98) and proactiveness (lU : n.A7) indicated caritious affitudes toward uncertainty. There were also significant positive correlations among the motivation and networking items, r: 0.517: netrn'orking and EO, r : 0.648; motivation and EO. r:0.71 1. Regression analysis with R3 of 0.623 showed that EO" motivation and netrvorking together account fbr 62.3% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention. Risk-taking. innovativeness. motivation and networking are significant predictors: B:0.211, p :0.000; B:0.137, p:0.005; B:0.215. p:0.000 and B:0.116, p:0.014, respectively- Therefore, coroborates Self-Determination Theory, emphasizing autonomy and intrinsic motivation as drives for entrepreneurship. There is a need to promote the experiential and interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship education through incubators, innovation challenges and mentoring.