Assessment of financial literacy: case study of business students

Abstract

The study of financial literacy on business students aims to highlight the financial literacy level of senior students of bachelor degree and postgraduate students.. Although the study illustrates how financial literacy associated with socio- demographic characteristics, financial education, financial behavior, family background, and social capital. The study employs mixed research methodology in which an administered questionnaire and focus group tools are used. The study finds that students’ interest for obtaining financial information is very low which reflects a low level of financial literacy. Although, theresults show a critical red flag of warning in understanding the basic financial concepts (inflation, simple interest rate calculation and portfolio diversification). Moreover, the results find that family background and financial socialization play a significant role in shaping family members’ financial literacy weather intentionally or spontaneously. Based on theresults of the analysis and focus group justification, theresearcher recommends that there is an insisting need for; enhancing the role of the universities in improving financial literacy, and recommends future studies to expand the range of study in light of the role of high education ministry, universities and financial institutions.