Understanding the Role of Cultural Orientations in the Formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions in Iran

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine how cultural orientations influence students’ entrepreneurial motivations and intentions in a developing country, namely Iran. Two cultural orientations, namely independent and interdependent self-construal, were incorporated into a model of entrepreneurial intention that draws upon the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-construal theory. In total, 290 final year undergraduate agricultural students from four public Iranian universities participated in the study. Questionnaire data were gathered. Using the partial least squares structural equation model, independent self-construal significantly and directly related to entrepreneurial intentions. Interdependent self-construal positively related to subjective norms, and independent self-construal positively related to perceived behavioral control. Both independent and interdependent self-construal helped explain the attitudes of individuals toward entrepreneurship with interdependent self-construal playing a greater role. The present results and their implications can help both policy makers and educators develop effective strategies for promoting entrepreneurship.