Entrepreneurial Intention of University Graduates: Effect of Confucianism

Abstract

In Malaysia, the Chinese dominates the business and entrepreneurship sector. This includes those inheriting the family business and some are first generation entrepreneurs. Thus, this paper aimed to delve into the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among Chinese undergraduates. The factors scrutinized in this study were based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control) and lastly the influential Confucian’s value. This research was carried out among 300 Chinese undergraduate students studying around Klang Valley. The data collected from the questionnaire distributed is analysed using SPSS. The findings from the analysis revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between attitude, perceived behaviour control, and Confucius value in Chinese culture with entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates since the p value was 0.000, 0.013 and 0.000 respectively. Subjective norm which is reflected on family support, showed no impact on entrepreneurial intention. Therefore, it is concluded that Chinese in Malaysia still do practise Confucianism and attitude as well as perceived behaviour control do determine the involvement of these youngsters in business or entrepreneurship.