The impact of entrepreneurship education and cultural context on entrepreneurial intentions of Ukrainian students: the mediating role of attitudes and perceived control

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the research is to test empirically whether the variables of personal attitudes towards entrepreneurship and perceived control mediate the relationship between entrepreneurship education and intentions of Ukrainian students to become entrepreneurs; to determine whether personal attitudes mediate the relationship between cultural context and entrepreneurial intentions. Design/methodology/approach The research project carried out jointly by four Kharkiv universities used 349 survey responses from senior students majoring in business and economics and management and marketing. The data was analysed using Partial Least Squares regression. Findings Education and employed teaching methods, in particular, positively affect students' attitudes towards entrepreneurship, their perceived capability to start a business and indirectly influence entrepreneurial intentions. However, attendance of entrepreneurship-related courses itself does not enhance perceived control and has no significant effect on personal attitudes. The study also shows that cultural context has a positive influence on students' attitudes towards entrepreneurship and, therefore, indirectly impacts their intentions to become entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications Firstly, the students participating in the study were from one country. And secondly, the paper deals with pre-educational entrepreneurial intentions. Practical implications The study suggests that a practice-based approach to entrepreneurship education is a key to raising entrepreneurial awareness of young people in countries whose national cultures are built on collectivist values. Originality/value The results of the study are of value for teaching staff, who can actually influence students' entrepreneurial self-awareness, and for university management in the context of contemporary education reforms and the latest requirements to education process.

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