Gender Factor and Entrepreneurial Intention Among Final Year Students of Polytechnic
CHAPTER ONE
Purpose and Objectives of the Study
The main purpose of the study is to investigate gender factor and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of Polytechnic. Other specifics objectives of the study are:
- To determine the effect of personal attitudes on entrepreneurial intentions of final year students of Polytechnic.
- To examine the impact of supportive norms for innovation on attitude of students to starting a business.
- To evaluate how Polytechnic’s innovative culture affects personal values of the students in starting a business
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Women entrepreneurship has be accepted as the way of generating wealth, job and economic development (Verheul et al., 2006). Although more women are taking part in entrepreneurship but still there number is less than men (Arenius&Minniti, 2005; Malach Pines et al., 2010; Koellinger et al., 2013; Hundt& Sternberg, 2014; Sarfaraz et al., 2014). Women as an entrepreneur is generating employment that is helping in the development of socio economic, competency, gender equality and throughput. Women entrepreneurs are good for the society as they are generating opportunities for the other women in productive work. One of the main features emerging in the literature is the individual’s interest in opening a news business (Blanchflower& Oswald, 1998). It is not much known about the gender, employment and entrepreneurship relationship, but financial resources are not easily available to the women (Verheul&Thurik, 2001) and women are not good to explore full social network (Brush et al., 2006). Few of the studies have shown that because of lack of female entrepreneurial model, women lack entrepreneurship. Dunn & Holtz-Eakin (1995) and Delmar & Holmquist (2004) they have found that the impact of entrepreneurial role models was related to the gender. It is known that even if women know much about entrepreneurship but still they are recognized less entrepreneurial than men. Entrepreneurial Intention is a concept that has been using in the literature for many years. It was first used by the author B. Bird. He explained it in a way that entrepreneurial intention motivates someone to put his energy to open his own business and become self-employment rather than working under someone’s supervision and getting monthly salary. If someone’s entrepreneurial intention is very high then the person at the initial stage only will have high success rate of opening a new business [Bird 1988, pp. 442–453]. In the other definition entrepreneurial intention consists of a real high intrinsic motivation, a state of mind that is directed for doing activities [Ajzen 1991]. Under such situation, when they have high motivation then their attitude directs them for taking entrepreneurial activities for their business. Krueger explained about entrepreneurial intention as an obligation to open a new business. Here it shows the intent and honesty of an entrepreneur to start a new business in the future [Krueger 1993 pp. 5–23]. In another definition authors F. Linan and J.C. Rodriguez came up with the new way of defining entrepreneurial intention as putting efforts and energy for opening a new business in an entrepreneurially way [Linan and Rodriguez 2004, pp. 23–27].
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain gender factor and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of polytechnic. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing gender factor and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of polytechnic
Summary
This study was on gender factor and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of polytechnic. Three objectives were raised which included: To determine the effect of personal attitudes on entrepreneurial intentions of final year students of Polytechnic, to examine the impact of supportive norms for innovation on attitude of students to starting a business and to evaluate how Polytechnic’s innovative culture affects personal values of the students in starting a business. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected polytechnic, Akwa Ibom state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on gender factors and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of the polytechnic has provided valuable insights into the intricate relationship between gender and entrepreneurial aspirations. The findings highlight the presence of gender-based variations in entrepreneurial intentions, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by male and female students in pursuing entrepreneurial careers
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on gender factors and entrepreneurial intention among final year students of the polytechnic, several recommendations emerge to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage a more inclusive environment:
- Gender-Inclusive Entrepreneurship Programs: Develop and implement entrepreneurship programs that are specifically designed to be gender-inclusive. These programs should address the unique challenges faced by both male and female students, providing tailored support, mentorship, and resources to foster entrepreneurial intentions.
- Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns within educational institutions to challenge gender stereotypes associated with entrepreneurship. Promote successful role models from both genders in entrepreneurship to inspire students and showcase diverse pathways to success.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Establish mentorship programs that connect students with successful entrepreneurs, with a focus on ensuring diversity in mentorship relationships. Female students, in particular, may benefit from mentorship to navigate challenges and gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs.
References
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