THE IMPACT OF SPECIFIC WORK EXPERIENCE OF JAPANESE SME EMPLOYEES ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION

Abstract

Although entrepreneurial activity is an engine for stimulating innovation and economic growth, its growth rate in Japan has been declining since 1980 and is at an internationally low level. While policies to increase the growth rate must be strengthened, as the first step, increasing the number of entrepreneurs will require increasing the number of people interested in starting a business. Thus, it is necessary to identify the factors that promote entrepreneurial intention to increase the number of entrepreneurs. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is well-known for identifying factors that determine entrepreneurial intention regarding human psychology and attitude. However, it is also considered that there are other factors (experience and knowledge) from the aspect of work and practice. We focus on employees in their 20s and 30s working in small and medium-sized companies that have produced many entrepreneurs, and measure the degree of knowledge influence about entrepreneurship and practical experiences such as new product planning, job change, side job, and sales on entrepreneurial intention. Multiple regression analysis using a questionnaire (self-administered), which is based on hypotheses drawn from previous research, reveals that, among the six factors, entrepreneurial education and experience in new product planning, experience in selling products, and side job experience were the most important factors in influencing entrepreneurial intentions.