The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intention among Engineering Students

U N Saraih,Ain Zuraini Zin Aris,Tunku Salha Tunku Ahmad,M Harith Amlus,Sharmini Abdullah,Suhana Abdul Mutalib,S.A Aljunid,P.J Soh,C.B.M Rashidi,K.N.F Ku Azir,M.A.A Mohd Salleh

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201815005051

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention amongst engineering students from Public Higher Educational Institution (PHEI) in Malaysia. This study employs a quantitative method using the questionnaire instrument. Data is obtained from 345 respondents comprising of final year students from various public institutes of higher learning in Malaysia. Findings revealed that the students from these public institutes demonstrated a high interest in entrepreneurial intention (mean=3.67, SD=.54) and a moderate level of sel-efficacy (mean=3.22, SD=.71). Findings also pointed out that self-efficacy is significantly associated with entrepreneurial intention (β=.45, p<.01) as exhibited by the engineering students in these institutes. These findings further reinforces an element of Bandura Social Learning Theory which states that self-efficacy is able to influence the entrepreneurial intention amongst engineering students in public institutions. As a result, public instituitions can emphasize strategies to increase the degree of self-efficacy amongst students to enhance the level of entrepreneurial intention. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are also discussed along with recommendations for the further improvement of institution management.

Highlights

Empirical works reveal that most countries nowadays are facing a surge in unemployment problems
This study involved a sample of the engineering students from one of Public Higher Educational Institution (PHEI) located in the Northern Region of Malaysia
The results of this study provided new knowledge regarding the level of students’ entrepreneurial intention as well as self-efficacy amongst the engineering students in one of the PHEI in Malaysia

Summary

Introduction

Empirical works reveal that most countries nowadays are facing a surge in unemployment problems. Entrepreneurial knowledge and skills may help the countries to reduce the unemployment problem [1]. According to [2], limited opportunities to gain employment occured mostly in competitive environments. The Ministry of Higher Education or MoHE tries to switch and focus on entrepreneurship as a gateway to the employment creation in order to stabilize the economies. This initiative is consistent with [4] who stated that the entrepreneurship development could solve unemployment problems

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Methods

Results

Conclusion