Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to extend theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model by focussing on intention-action gap, which is considered by academic researchers as under-researched area. It further examines the moderating role of entrepreneurial motivation between intention and behaviour (action) to enhance predictability of TPB on senior level engineering students in Pakistan. Survey conducted with 448 engineering students from four major engineering institutions for data collection. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and partial least square (PLS) method has been employed for analysing PLS path modelling, hypotheses testing, mediation and moderation analysis. Results reveal that attitude and perceived behaviour control are positively related to entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) and predictors of EIs have an overall variance of 48% in EIs. Entrepreneurial motivation significantly effects intention-behaviour link in TPB which is novel finding in extension of TPB. This is the first study of its kind which explains intention-action gap and include entrepreneurial motivation in TPB as researchers considered longitudinal studies appropriate to investigate intention-action gap. Results reinforced the idea of incorporation of supporting constructs in TPB. Conceptual model contributes theoretically to the existing framework of TPB by enhancing predictive power for better understanding of entrepreneurial behavioural development. Study provide base for future studies on intention-behaviour link in TPB to explain entrepreneurial behaviour for application in various perspectives.
Highlights
Entrepreneurship for engineering students to create winning minds for economic development in a country is an area which has attracted academic researchers
Combination of longitudinal study and qualitative methods are suggested for studying intention-action gap in examining theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in the case of engineering students
Results of the study will be difficult to generalize over all engineering students in Pakistan due to high variation in the quality of instruction at different engineering institutions
Summary
Entrepreneurship for engineering students to create winning minds for economic development in a country is an area which has attracted academic researchers. This has gained importance as role of engineers in industry is evolving which has grown from independent highly skilled self-reliant inventor to a co-dependent team member in a small or large enterprise (Yurtseven, 2002). Alam et al Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research (2019) 9:50 education in engineering education through various training programs (Dabbagh & Menascé, 2006). Beyond science and technology, engineering graduates are required to have requisite communication skills, leadership traits, discover opportunities, better understanding of market forces and new product commercialization (Dabbagh & Menascé, 2006). Engineer of today is transforming from knowledge to action, and this process of transformation is gradual
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