Application of Shapero’s Model In Explaining Entrepreneurial Intentions Among University Students In Kenya

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is considered as an engine of economic growth. Entrepreneurial process starts from development of entrepreneurial intentions. A large number of scholars have focused on the internal and psychological aspects regarding entrepreneur. However, little is known about how external factors can influence the development of entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurial intentions is influenced by three key latent variables; perceived desirability, propensity to act and perceived feasibility. The researcher planned to use an entrepreneurial intention model developed theoretically based on the Shapero’s Model.

The sample size was 133 respondents. The data collection instruments were questionnaire. The questionnaires were delivered to the selected respondents by visiting them in the organization during which observation was done. Quantitative data collected was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS and presented through percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. Content analysis was used on data that is qualitative nature or aspect of the data collected from the open ended questions.

The results of this study were compared to other similar studies of the same correspondent in other universities to enable general conclusions on the applicability of the model and the authenticity of the results. While this study was mainly focusing on university students, its conclusions was to be instrumental in answering most questions regarding the status of entrepreneurship among the youth in Kenya, especially in other tertiary institutions.

The study concludes that it was very possible to offer entrepreneurship courses since they develop the intention and the necessary abilities to be an entrepreneur and that being an entrepreneur would entail great satisfactions .The study further concludes that the respondents had complete knowledge on both readily available opportunity to start the businesses and business centres/networks. Economic opportunity and autonomy are very important in making a choice whether to become an entrepreneur and that carrying out the kind of job one really likes corresponds to entrepreneurial success.

The study recommends that learning institutions should offer entrepreneurship courses. This will enable the learners to have the knowledge about the entrepreneurial environment and realize the necessary abilities needed to be entrepreneurs. The study further recommends that the government should develop research and development projects that will help in giving more information on the field of entrepreneurship. Moreover, specialized training should be offered to upcoming entrepreneurs so as to increase the efficiency of the products/services offered to the customers.