Ajzen's Theory Research Articles

University-related Factors influencing Technological Entrepreneurial Intentions of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Students: A Comparative Study of Private and Public Universities

This study aims to establish university-related factors that influence the formation of technological entrepreneurial intentions (TEIs) among STEM students in Zambia. The article extends the Ajzen Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model by including environmental factors that were tested using a comparative study of public and private students, with quantitative data obtained from a sample of 400 STEM students and analyzed using structural equation Modelling (SEM). This paper contributes to emerging literature on TEIs by incorporating environmental variables into the TPB model to explain the formation of STEM students' TEIs. This study provides insights into the significance of pressure from friends, family and other networks and positive perception of technological entrepreneurial activities on the formation of TEIs in students. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilize the extended TPB on STEM Students in Zambia. This research also contributes to the existing literature on technopreneurship by comparing the formation of TEIs of STEM students in private and public universities. The findings suggest that attitudes towards entrepreneurship (ATE), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) have a direct impact on TEIs for private university students and ATE and PBC for public university students. University support (US) influences TEIs through (SN) for both private and public university students. Additionally, the university environment affects TEIs through three antecedents (ATE, SN and PBC) for private university students, while teaching methods (TM) show no association with TEIs.

The Antecedents of the Entrepreneurial Intention of Cooperative Founders: The Case of the Province of Larache

This paper aims to identify the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention among the founders of cooperatives in the Larache province of Morocco. The theoretical model used is Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, which explains intention based on attitudes toward behavior, social norms, and perceived behavioral control. Our analysis adopts a quantitative approach for 57 founders of cooperatives. The data underwent exploratory analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and confirmatory analysis through linear regression using the SPSS software. Our findings suggest a relationship between attitude toward behavior and intention while rejecting the link between social norms and intention, as well as perceived behavioral control and intention. Our findings also underscore the role of ancestral solidarity practices in empowering indigenous peoples. In this regard, the Georgist political economy approach provides a suitable perspective to promote cooperative entrepreneurship in Africa.

Fashion and sustainability: Evidence from the consumption of second‐hand clothes

AbstractCompanies are becoming increasingly involved with sustainability as various stakeholders require them to orient their activities in line with sustainability and its principles. In some industries, such as the food industry and the fashion industry, these requests are particularly relevant because they are considered to be keenly related to environmental and social issues. In this study, by integrating Ajzen's theory of planned behavior with Schwartz's norm activation model, we seek to understand the main drivers behind a consumer's decision to engage in second‐hand clothes buying processes. Our results not only highlight the advantages of integrating various models to obtain a more rounded perspective on ethical consumer motivations but also enable the identification of relevant drivers of this specific behavior. Accordingly, the results might help managers in this industry be more effective in their sustainability activities, as those activities result in positive perceptions among consumers and, thus, might trigger second‐hand clothes purchases.

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape: The interplay of government support and self-efficacy in entrepreneurial education

Building upon the core concept of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, this study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between Entrepreneurial Education (EED) and business success, considering the mediating roles of Government support and entrepreneurs' self-efficacy beliefs. The study collected data from a sample of 300 small business owners in the Peshawar district of Pakistan, utilizing adapted constructs and analyzing the data through measurement and structural modeling using Smart PLS. The results reveal a significant positive association between EED and business success among business owners. Similarly, Government support is found to play a role in fostering a culture of EED among these business owners. When examining mediating factors, Government support is shown to mediate the relationship between an individual's EED and their business success, whereas it does not significantly mediate the relationship between an individual's Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and business success. Conversely, Entrepreneurial self-efficacy is identified as a potential mediator between EED and business success. However, it does not mediate the relationship between Government support and business success. Based on the findings, it is concluded that government support significantly contributes to shaping the relationship between Entrepreneurship Education (EED) and business success within the SME sector in developing countries. Likewise, the self-efficacy of business owners is identified as a pivotal individual element that positively influences business success in various circumstances. The study suggests that the SME sector in developing countries can thrive with the support of government initiatives promoting Entrepreneurial Education.

Does religion raise entrepreneurial intention and behavior of Muslim university students? An extension of Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB)

In today's globalized society, religious beliefs continue to be a crucial predictor of personal attitudes. Hence, in line with Ajzen's TPB, this study aims to explore the effect of Islamic values on the entrepreneurial intent and behavior of Moroccan university students. A convenience sampling procedure was followed for gathering data through an online questionnaire among university students. The structural equation modeling was carried out in order to analyze the collected data. Findings support the appropriateness of Ajzen's theory in predicting university students' entrepreneurial intentions and actions, showing that Islamic values, including self-discipline, hardworking, and responsibility contribute considerably to improving attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE), which in turn enhanced students' entrepreneurial intents (EI). These findings raise some valuable recommendations and implications for HEIs leaders to initiate appropriate measures to promote a propitious academic and entrepreneurial environment to foster entrepreneurial attitudes, by providing specific support to business and management students holding creative entrepreneurial ideas.

Auditee's intention to implement audit recommendations: A qualitative study based on the theory of planned behavior

Previous studies on the implementation of audit recommendations have primarily focused on identifying influencing factors without delving into the specific behaviors of individuals responsible for their implementation. This study aims to analyze auditees' intentions to implement audit recommendations using Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). While TPB is typically applied with quantitative methods, this research employs a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of respondents' attitudes, motivations, and values. The findings reveal five main themes that influence auditees' intentions to implement audit recommendations: lack of engagement, unorganized organizational pathways, the role of decision-makers or policymakers, mutual reluctance toward coordination, and gaps in knowledge and qualifications. Addressing these themes simultaneously is essential for the effective implementation of audit recommendations. Auditees' attitudes toward implementing audit recommendations significantly impact their intentions. However, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control can pose barriers, diminishing their commitment to the implementation process. This nuanced understanding of the factors affecting auditee behavior is crucial for developing strategies to enhance compliance with audit recommendations.

Constructing the scale to measure entrepreneurial traits by using the modified delphi method

Higher entrepreneurial traits significantly increase the likelihood of graduate students venturing into entrepreneurship. This study intended to develop a scale for assessing the entrepreneurial traits of graduate students, recognizing a gap in existing literature and measurement tools predominantly developed for countries with conducive entrepreneurial climates. Aligned with Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, the study employed a modified Delphi method, including prototype development, two Delphi surveys, and subsequent statistical analyses. The robustness of the final items and scale in effectively capturing the entrepreneurial traits of graduate students is supported by descriptive statistical analyses (SD ≤ 1.5, Interquartile Range ≤1, and Level of Agreement ≥70%), content validity analysis (I-CVI≥ 0.8, S-CVI/Ave = 0.92; S-CVI/UA = 0.4), and Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance analysis (X2 (37, N = 30) = 700.504, W = 0.631, p < 0.01). Ultimately, the scale comprises 38 items organized into three overarching thematic areas: life philosophy, creating and utilizing mindset, and supportive and motivating environment. Consistent with existing literature, entrepreneurial traits are intricately linked to individuals' life perspectives, often characterized by a desire for self-autonomy. Additionally, the ability to create or leverage available resources and the presence of a conducive external environment emerge as pivotal dimensions in entrepreneurial traits. Notably, the study highlights the critical influence of a country's environment and policies, mainly through university courses and short-term programs, in shaping the development of entrepreneurial traits.

Effectiveness of a media literacy-based smoking prevention program in female adolescents.

To examine the effectiveness of a media literacy-based smoking prevention program based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior in female adolescents. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with female high school students aged 16-17 years in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The program provided eight sessions over 4 weeks. Quantitative data were collected before and after online surveys in an intervention (n=21) and control (n=21) groups, and analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. Qualitative data on participation experiences was collected by requesting the participants to answer open-ended questions once a week during the intervention and performing co-occurrence analysis of specific terms in the responses was conducted through text mining. Although the program decreased smoking intention and increased smoking media literacy in the intervention group, there were no significant differences between the groups. Qualitative results obtained from the intervention group showed cognitive and behavioral changes in the perception of the harmfulness of e-cigarettes in the media and the expression of a willingness to overcome the temptation to smoke. Our findings show that the enhancement of smoking media literacy, specifically by correcting misconceptions regarding e-cigarettes promoted by the new media, contributes smoking prevention in female adolescents. It supports calls for an expanded role of public health professionals in health education at the school level.

Factors Affecting the Intention to Study a Master's Degree Abroad of Vietnamese Students and Recommendations

Recently, there has been an annual increase in the number of masters in Vietnam. In contrast, universities in Vietnam do not recruit enough master's students to meet the set goals. This is due, in part, to the fact that students frequently pursue master's degrees abroad. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing students' intentions to pursue a master's degree abroad in engineering and economics. The proposed research model is based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (1991), developed from the previous Theory of Reasoned Action in 1975, and incorporates related studies. This model includes the factors that influence the intention to study for a master's degree—attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, communication, reasonable cost, and career opportunities—and the factors that influence the attitude to study for a master's degree. 434 valid samples for analysis, conducted several methods, including Cronbach's Alpha test, EFA, CFA, and SEM, to affirm the reliability of the measurement scale and the appropriateness of the variables in the research model. Based on the research results, we identify the influencing factors that underlie the article's recommendations.

Indigenous language learning in higher education in Ghana: Exploring students' behavioral intentions using an extended theory of planned behavior.

This study investigated the predictors of indigenous language learning from an empirical and theoretical perspective. A quantitative approach was employed to explore the issue using an extended version of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior that incorporates linguistic insecurity in measuring students' language learning intentions. A total of 180 first-year undergraduate students in the Department of Arts Education and the Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics participated in the study. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), measurement and structural models were evaluated. The results indicated that students' attitudes (behavioral beliefs), subjective norms, language learning efficacy, and students' sense of linguistic insecurity significantly predicted their intentions to study indigenous languages. The exogenous variables accounted for 47.8% of the variance in students' intentions to study indigenous languages in higher education. The strongest predictor of intention was subjective norms (β = 0.399; p<0.01), followed by students' sense of linguistic insecurity (β = -0.254; p<0.01), perceived language learning efficacy (β = 0.169; p = 0.013), and language attitude (β = 0.144; p = 0.045). These results underscore the need for concerned stakeholders to foster positive attitudes and address linguistic insecurity to enhance learners' development of positive behavioral intentions toward indigenous language learning.

The nexus between the attitudes and self-concepts of gifted students in an Arab context.

The research literature has reported the need for educators to develop suitable programs geared toward the nurturance of gifted students. Although some non-Western countries have adopted policies to foster the growth of exceptional students, their contributions to research in gifted education are limited. To expand the literature on gifted education, this study was guided by Ajzen's theory of planned behavior to explore the attitudes and self-conceptions of gifted and talented students in the United Arab Emirates. The revised Self-Perception Profile for Children and Opinions About the Gifted and Their Education scales were used to collect data from 150 high school students in Abu Dhabi, one of seven states (emirates) in the United Arab Emirates. AMOS software version 29 was used to conduct confirmatory factor and path analyses. To evaluate the differences between the background variables on attitudes and self-concepts, t-tests were calculated using SPSS software version 28. The study found a relationship between the attitudes and self-concepts of students regarding their participation in enrichment programs. The hypothesized moderation effect of demographic variables on the relationship between attitudes and self-concepts was not supported. The study's limitations and implications for educators in the United Arab Emirates to prioritize programs geared toward developing the attitudes and self-concepts of gifted students are discussed in detail.

Factors affecting sustainable consumption behavior: Roles of pandemics and perceived consumer effectiveness

The objective of the study is to assess the roles of pandemics and perceived consumer effectiveness in factors affecting the sustainable consumption behavior in the Vietnam's context. Based on two main theoretical foundations: Ajzen's TPB theory (1991) and Schwartz's NAM model (1977), the study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods with 9 scales of 43 observed variables. 645 valid survey responses were collected from five major cities in Vietnam in 2022 and were analyzed by using SPSS and SmartPLS 3.8 softwares. The results showed that pandemics have positive impacts on factors affecting the sustainable consumption behavior, including: environment concern, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personal norms. Except the subjective norms factor which did not reach statistical significance, the remaining hypotheses were tested to have positive impacts on the intention and sustainable consumption behavior. In addition, the study also demonstrated a positive moderating effect of perceived consumer effectiveness on the relationship between intention and sustainable consumption behavior. Some managerial implications and future researches are also suggested.

The Influence of Islamic Values on Social Entrepreneurial Intentions, Mediation of Entrepreneurial Attitudes, Bandung Muslim Community

The purpose of this paper is to examine students' entrepreneurial intentions in the Muslim community in the city of Bandung from the aspect of Islamic values mediated by entrepreneurial attitudes. The Grand Theory used was Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. A total of 220 students from the Muslim community in Bandung City collected data using a questionnaire, a five-point numerical scale. Meanwhile, data analysis using Regression Analysis results identified that Islamic values had a positive and significant effect on social entrepreneurship intentions, while entrepreneurial attitudes mediated the influence of these two variables. The The research results indicate that Islamic Values influence Social Entrepreneurial Intention and Entrepreneurial Attitude can mediate the influence of Islamic Values on Social Entrepreneurial Intention. It is suggested to predict the social entrepreneurship intention of Islamic boarding school students in the larger community in the city of Bandung and examine variables other than Islamic values and other SDG components. This study strongly suggests the need to include aspects of creativity in learning in Islamic boarding schools.

Intention to Pay Higher Taxes Dedicated to Reduction of Coal Energy – A Case of Young Central Eastern Europeans

In an era of increasing efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, black coal creates many problems, primarily because it is a fuel used solely for burning that contaminates the environment. In countries in Central Eastern Europe, a safe and successful transition from energy produced from coal requires societal changes, as well as public and private financing. The aim of this study is to examine and better understand how different psychological factors influence young citizens' intention to engage in activities directed at coal energy reduction financially. In our pilot study, we enlisted respondents from the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia because the analysis of the main sources of energy generation in these countries provided evidence that they are behind in embracing the European Commission's strategy and meeting the renewable energy sources target. Based on a questionnaire survey, we found that Central Eastern European citizens' intention to pay higher taxes to reduce energy use from coal was moderate. Using Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, we also found that only two variables, attitude, and subjective norms, are strong determinants of environmental intentions for young Central Eastern European citizens. In addition, our study is the first to include personal responsibility as a consideration in coal energy reduction. Our extension of the theory of planned behavior with personal responsibility indicates the enormous role of the postulated environmental protection policies and media campaigns in promoting environmental awareness among young citizens.

Digital Dating Abuse: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Social media and other technologies are being increasingly adopted as mechanisms to perpetrate abuse against dating partners. Using Ajzen's theory of planned behavior as a framework, a sample of 352 emerging adults completed a questionnaire that assessed the core constructs of the theory of planned behavior (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control), as well as intentions to commit three types of digital dating abuse in the near future: digital monitoring and control, digital direct aggression, and digital sexual coercion. The models explained 44%, 34%, and 44% of the variance in intentions to commit digitally facilitated monitoring and control, direct aggression, and sexual coercion, respectively. Attitudes and subjective norms significantly predicted intentions, whereas perceived behavioral control did not. Given the increasing prevalence of digital dating abuse, prevention efforts should target attitudes toward digital dating abuse-related behaviors and perceptions of social acceptability and engagement.

Competencies and beliefs of Swiss teachers with regard to the modular curriculum ‘Media and ICT’

Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour emphasises that a person's beliefs and competencies are crucial in terms of their behavioural intentions. When transferred to the implementation of a new curriculum, it can thus be hypothesised that teachers’ competencies and beliefs would be the core antecedents of a successful implementation. The context of this study is the new module curriculum ‘Media and ICT (M&I)’ that was introduced in the German-speaking part of Switzerland in 2017. It requires teachers to possess media didactics and technological competencies. This study investigates the current state of teachers’ competencies as well as their beliefs about the new module curriculum M&I. In addition, the relationship between these competencies and beliefs and the teachers’ intention to implement this new curriculum in the classroom is tested. An online survey was administered to 203 teachers. The results show that teachers' competencies only have an indirect effect on their intention to teach M&I when it is mediated by their beliefs (i.e., their readiness to innovate and self-efficacy). Direct effects were found between teachers' readiness and their M&I-related self-efficacy and their intention to implement the new curriculum in their classrooms. The current study contributes to the promotion of digitalisation in the educational field by highlighting the effects of teachers' beliefs and their competencies. Regarding practical relevance, the findings of this study can guide and support the professionalisation of teachers and their initial and further training pertaining to M&I.

Awareness of sustainability, climate emergency, and generation Z's consumer behaviour in UAE

This research investigates the attitudes and behaviors of Generation Z university students in the UAE towards sustainable fashion using a local college in Abu Dhabi as the study population. The literature review highlights a potential gap between the sustainability claims of Generation Z and their actual pro-environmental behaviour. The research aims to explore this gap by connecting the study to a Middle Eastern high-street fashion brand. The study uses components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour and Stern's Value Belief Norm Theory to design the research. The research gap is addressed using both qualitative and quantitative primary research methods. The survey data are analyzed using SPSS, with statistical analysis techniques such as correlation, cross-tabulation, frequency tables, and pivot tables. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the qualitative interview data. The findings suggest that the primary reasons for choosing the brand are modesty, price, and fashion, rather than its sustainability appeal.

Applying an Extended Model of Theory of Planned Behaviour to Predict Intent to Perform an Energy Efficiency Renovation in Flanders

Since buildings are responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, energy efficiency renovations (EERs) are key to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the determinants of performing an EER. An extended model of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour was implemented to examine the impact of subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and attitudes on the intent to perform an EER. Our study additionally incorporated predictors such as household income, renovation knowledge, bill consciousness, certainty of profitability, and environmental concern. Our results are based on a sample of 804 Flemish persons (Mage = 53.99; SDage = 14.28; nwomen = 375 (46.64%)) and we used structural equation modelling for analysis. Results indicated that subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and attitudes significantly predicting intention, with attitude being more than twice as influential as subjective norms. Income was associated with both renovation knowledge and perceived behavioural control. Furthermore, a positive attitude towards EERs was linked to certainty of profitability and environmental concern. Our results suggests that communication should emphasize financial benefits and environmental impact to effectively change attitudes, while renovation knowledge has a role to play in increasing peoples’ perceived behavioural control over performing an EER.

Iterating toward change: Improving student-centered teaching through the STEM faculty institute (STEMFI).

One of the primary reasons why students leave STEM majors is due to the poor quality of instruction. Teaching practices can be improved through professional development programs; however, several barriers exist. Creating lasting change by overcoming these barriers is the primary objective of the STEM Faculty Institute (STEMFI). STEMFI was designed according to the framework established by Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. To evaluate its effectiveness, the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) tool was used before and after an intensive year-long faculty development program and analyzed using copusprofiles.org, a tool that classifies each COPUS report into one of three instructional styles: didactic, interactive lecture, and student-centered. We report the success of our program in changing faculty teaching behaviors and we categorize them into types of reformers. Then, thematically coded post-participation interviews give us clues into the characteristics of each type of reformer. Our results demonstrate that faculty can significantly improve the student-centeredness of their teaching practices in a relatively short time. We also discuss the implications of faculty attitudes for future professional development efforts.

Learning Arabic as a second language in Saudi universities: Ajzen’s theory and religious motivations

ABSTRACT Learning Arabic as a second language (ASL) in Arabic-speaking countries is yet to be investigated thoroughly. The present study examines 61 ASL learners from 25 countries in seven Saudi universities using a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire, with Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour used as a theoretical framework to elicit and analyze the participants' intentions, attitudes, motivations, and challenges. The findings of the quantitative items show that learners hold significant and positive intentions, attitudes, and subjective-norm and perceived-behavioural-control beliefs regarding learning Arabic. These findings show the usefulness of using social psychology to elicit and understand ASL learners' beliefs and predict their intentions to learn Arabic by adapting valid and published questionnaire items. The qualitative results show that religious factors are what motivate ASL learning in Saudi universities. For example, Arabic is the language of sacred texts, the language of the Prophet Muhammad, and the language of Heaven. The most-reported challenges are the instructors' use of local dialects and inadequate training in teaching ASL. When designing curricula, policymakers should consider social factors such as religion, literature, history, and students' backgrounds. It is also recommended that language researchers use theories from other related disciplines to understand fully the perspectives of ASL learners.