Factors Influencing Student Entrepreneurial Intentions With The Moderating Role Of COVID-19: A Comparison Study

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions that exist among undergraduates in Jordan and Germany during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative data collection approach was employed, and a five-point Likert scale survey was administered to students at three Jordanian universities and three German universities, yielding a valid sample of 454 surveys. The hypotheses were tested using the SPSS V23. The results of this testing indicate that the two variables (personal factors and environmental factors) and two sub-dimensions (need for achievement and locus of control) have a significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions. The moderating role of COVID-19 also prevailed to have a significant effect on the relationship between the independent variables and entrepreneurial intentions. The testing showed that there is no significant difference between entrepreneurial intentions between Jordanian and German students. As a result, this research should be used to map a road for policy makers to facilitate entrepreneurial engagement activities and for educational institutions to develop entrepreneurial education. This research adds to the body of knowledge by exploring how various variables are shaping individuals' entrepreneurial intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has been conducted on students' intentions to become entrepreneurs in a turbulent context such as COVID-19 pandemic, in a comparison setting between two countries; thus, this study will fill a gap in the current entrepreneurship literature.