The moderating role of higher education on entrepreneurship

Abstract

Purpose

Entrepreneurial activities have a great impact on the economy and entrepreneurs are even more important for developing countries. Accordingly, the need for entrepreneurial graduates is increasing. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of higher education with regard to the entrepreneurial intentions and traits of university students in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to freshmen and senior university students studying business and engineering at five established universities in Turkey, yielding a total sample of 767.

Findings

This logistic regression analysis indicates that some personality traits play an important role in influencing the students' intention to become entrepreneurs. The study findings also suggest that students with higher education have a higher intention of becoming entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional method of data collection was used. However, longitudinal data from a bigger sample would have provided more valid support for the study.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important implications for those who formulate, deliver and evaluate educational policy in Turkey. Based on the findings, policy makers may wish to review the current higher educational system and make changes to foster students' entrepreneurial mindset.

Originality/value

The study fills the gap in the literature by particularly testing the moderating effect of education between entrepreneurial traits and intentions.

Citation

İlhan Ertuna, Z. and Gurel, E. (2011), "The moderating role of higher education on entrepreneurship", Education + Training, Vol. 53 No. 5, pp. 387-402. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911111147703