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Social-cultural influence on university graduate's entrepreneurial intention: Evidence from a Portuguese university

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the socio-cultural factors influencing the entrepreneurial intentions of 339 students who have graduated from a Portuguese university. Using logistic regression, it investigates the impact of role models, perceived social norms, and entrepreneurial capabilities on graduates' intentions of becoming entrepreneurs. Results indicate that knowing an entrepreneur, creativity, and opportunity recognition are significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions, while family background has minimal impact. These results suggest that socio-cultural factors play a critical role in shaping entrepreneurial aspirations, with external influences, such as friends’ attitudes and opportunity recognition skills, driving entrepreneurial intent more than family entrepreneurship. The study contributes to entrepreneurship theory by highlighting key external and internal factors, and to policy by underlying the importance of promoting entrepreneurial education, reducing gender disparities, and creating supportive environments to foster entrepreneurship among graduates.

Source: Social Sciences & Humanities Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101627

Authors: Carmen Freitas, Mara Franco, Frederica Gonçalves, António Almeida

Institution: Universidade da Madeira

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180