Factors Hindering Undergraduate Students from Starting a Business While Studying

Abstract

Studies on entrepreneurship intention in Malaysia focused more on postgraduate students than undergraduate students. The students’ entrepreneurial intention, particularly factors contributing to the undergraduate students’ decisions not to become entrepreneurs were not well discussed. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have long been a positive factor to the improvement of the country's economy and the nation’s well-being. Although there are many government assistances, there are still many undergraduate students who choose not to be involved in business or run their own business. Research on factors hindering the undergraduate students from starting a business while studying is important as the future working environment largely depends on the enthusiasm, agility, and creativity of these generations. The objective of this study is to review the entrepreneurship intention literature within the context of business start-up among university students. This study also proposes a conceptual model to increase the understanding of the factors hindering undergraduate students from starting a business while studying. This model, which enhances knowledge of entrepreneurship intention among undergraduate students, enriches the theory of Psychological School of Thought and Social Networking Theory in entrepreneurship intention research.