Understanding Entrepreneurial Intentions and Behaviors: A Study of College Students through an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Framework

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between entrepreneurial attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, situational factors, implementation intention, and entrepreneurial intention and behavior among college students. Using a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design, data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The measurement model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.901 to 0.957, composite reliability from 0.902 to 0.957, and average variance extracted between 0.833 and 0.888. Model fit indices indicated good fit (SRMR = 0.038, CFI = 0.938, TLI = 0.926). Findings revealed that entrepreneurial subjective norms (β = 0.515, p = 0.000) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.458, p = 0.000) significantly influenced entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial situational factors (β = 0.275, p = 0.000) and implementation intention (β = 0.332, p = 0.000) had strong positive effects on entrepreneurial behavior. Moreover, entrepreneurial intention significantly mediated the effects of subjective norms (β = 0.160, p = 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.142, p = 0.000) on behavior, confirming the Theory of Planned Behavior framework. These results highlight the critical roles of social influence, perceived self-efficacy, supportive environments, and planning processes in shaping students’ entrepreneurial outcomes. Implications for educational institutions, policymakers, and future research are discussed, emphasizing the promotion of social support, skills development, and structured entrepreneurial programs to enhance entrepreneurial behavior.