Abstract

This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the formation of entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) among college students in Zambia. The research was built on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by Ajzne, to identify how the constructs of the same theory are manipulated by the factors that influence entrepreneurship intention formation among college students at Northern Technical College and Kabwe Institute of Technology. Primary data were obtained from 300 students through a self-administered questionnaire and was analysed using structural equation modelling. The study findings reported a positive relationship between the independent variables in the name of risk-taking (RST), college environment (CE) and entrepreneurship education (EE) and (EIs). Attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE) was observed to mediate the relationship between RST and EIs while subjective norms (SN) were observed to mediate the relationship between RST and EIs. Perceived behavioural control (PBC) was reported to mediate the interaction between all three independent variables and Els. The results presented both theoretical and practical implications and recommendations were made to policymakers and suggestions for future research.

Key words: Entrepreneurial intention, risk-taking, college environment, entrepreneurship education.