Motivational Components and Entrepreneurial Intentions among Students in Nigeria
Abstract
This survey explored the motivational components and entrepreneurial intentions among students in Nigeria. Motivational components of students that were considered are: self- efficacy and peer group influence. Theory of Self-Efficacy by Bandura (1977) and social identity theory (SIT) by Tajfel and Turner (1979) were used as theoretical guide for this survey. Two objectives were raised to guide this survey. The findings showed that motivational components in areas of self-efficacy and peer group influence have significant positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial intention in various parts of the nation. Those students with high self-efficacy were found to have higher entrepreneurial intention than those with low level of self-efficacy. Also, it was shown that positive peer group influence also positively affects entrepreneurial intention of the students. When students are part of a peer group that values entrepreneurship, they are more likely to be inspired and motivated to pursue entrepreneurial ventures themselves. It was therefore recommended among others that to instil high self- efficacy in students for higher entrepreneurial intention which is urgently needed in Nigeria, educators and parents should focus on building students' confidence through mastery and vicarious experiences, provide the necessary and positive feedback needed to foster positive beliefs and growth mindset among the students; and to maximize positive peer group influence among students in fostering entrepreneurial intention, schools should ensure that a positive collaborative learning environment is created through structured entrepreneurship group activities, peer tutoring, and open communication.
Keywords
Motivational ComponentsSelf-EfficacyPeer Group InfluenceEntrepreneurial
References
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