Author:

Keywords:

entrepreneurial intentions, gender effects, Theory of Planned Behavior, multigroup structural equation modeling

Abstract:

We use the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to detect gender effects in the variables that shape entrepreneurial intentions. We find that the effect of gender on intentions is mediated via personal attitude toward entrepreneurship and perceived control over entrepreneurship. Female students are driven by balance-oriented entrepreneurial values, whereas male students are driven more by achievement-oriented entrepreneurial values. Female students are more driven by internal feelings of control, whereas male students are driven equally by internal and external feelings of control. This study adds to the research that studies entrepreneurial intentions and clarifies how to stimulate male versus female entrepreneurial behavior.