The Influence of Psychological and Social Variables on Entrepreneurial Intention
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), entrepreneurship education, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention in Santander, Colombia. This research used quantitative methods to test seven research hypotheses reflecting relationships among variables, which we present in a research model. Our results are based on data from 467 adults from Santander, Colombia. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). All seven hypotheses—attitude (β = 0.188), perceived behavioural control (β = 0.360, the strongest predictor), subjective norms (β = 0.105), entrepreneurship education (β = 0.175), and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = 0.162)—were supported and were each significantly and positively associated with entrepreneurial intention; entrepreneurship education was, in turn, significantly and positively associated with attitude (β = 0.108) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = 0.122). The results suggest that positive perceptions of entrepreneurship education, attitude, self-efficacy, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are associated with higher entrepreneurial intention in the sample analysed. Because the study design was cross-sectional and based on perceptions, these results support the value of entrepreneurship education and related support initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial intention. By focusing on a broad adult population in Santander (Colombia), rather than a sample consisting solely of college students—as is typical in previous research on entrepreneurial intention—this study broadens the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), education, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a largely unexplored context, contributing new regional data to the existing literature on entrepreneurial intention.
Source: Administrative Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
OpenAlex ID: W7214067886