P1 Vol.11
P1 Vol.11
P1 Vol.11
Yasir Rasool
Superior College, Lahore
Dr. Sanober Salman Shaikh
Assistant Professor, IBA, University of Sindh, Jamshro
Ammar Ahmed
Assistant Professor, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan
Faiz Ahmad Khuwaja
Sukkur IBA University, Sindh Pakistan
Abstract
Entrepreneurial intentions have received enormous attention from the research scholars,
entrepreneurs, policy makers and practitioners. Entrepreneurial intentions are an evolving area
within the field of entrepreneurship and its importance is evident from increasing number of
publications and citations even in the top tier journals. Researchers have developed a number of
models that evolved with the passage of time and generated new knowledge. But, as the new
knowledge emerges, it also raises question that needs to be addressed. There is a need to
systematically analyze the stock of studies into consideration. Therefore, aim of the study is to carry
out a systematic literature review in order to do citation and thematic analysis. For this purpose, 110
research papers focused on entrepreneurial intentions published between 2005 and 2012 in the
renowned electronic databases were considered for analysis. Citation analysis was carried out by
the researcher to segregate the main themes emerging from the previous studies. Thematic analysis
was also conducted by the researcher for dividing papers into diversified categories and sub-
categories. Five main themes along with an additional theme that cannot be easily adjusted to any
other theme were recognized. A number of research gaps were identified that can provide fresh new
perspectives and future directions for the researchers in the field of entrepreneurship.
__________________________________________________________________
The material presented by the authors does not necessarily represent the viewpoint of editor(s) and
the management of the Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology (KASBIT) as well as
authors’ institute.
© KBJ is published by the Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology (KASBIT) 84-B,
S.M.C.H.S, Off.Sharah-e-Faisal, Karachi-74400, Pakistan.
Introduction
Number of studies have been conducted to emphasize that intentions are best predictors of
behavior rather than personality traits and demographics, psychological factors. Intention of
becoming an entrepreneur is a planned behavior but transforming these intentions into reality or
behavior was not determined (Kolvereid, 1996; Krueger et al., 2000). There might be a possibility
that those having strong EIs never started their own businesses because other factors affected their
EIs negatively. Thompson (2009) found that those people having higher EIs had higher chances of
starting their own ventures as compared to people having lower EIs. Some other factors also
influence EIs like previous business or management experience (Van Auken, 2006). Students
having business experience had plans to build their own venture or already had one. A study
consisting of over 1million students found that they prefer working for someone immediately after
completion of their education and this priority changes almost after 5years of their education
(Sieger et al., 2011). Therefore, it can be considered that intentions are good predictor of human
behavior, when there exists time gap between stated intentions and actual behavior.
The literature on EI has expanded since the publishing of research work by Shapero
(Shapero and Sokol, 1982). Literature as well as practitioners have developed interest in this area
from few past years. Theories from other fields like social psychology have also contributed
towards the expansion of this dimension (Bandura 1982; Ajzen, 1991). In the 1990s, bundle of
researches relevant to EI were observed using basic theoretical frameworks and ensuring the
robustness of the TPB in different contexts. In the presence of different integrated models, less
compatibility of these model have been found (Krueger et al., 2000). As the number of publications
increased in this area (Krueger and Day, 2010). After examining extant literature review, it was
observed that an integrated model based on core category has been combined with entrepreneurial
process. Similarly, EI core model using TPB could be used with contextual one in order to
investigate the stability of the model. In addition, the literature also shows that context can also be
pivatol in each stage of the entrepreneurial process. Such as: how Institutions affect
intention/behavior link? What factors are responsible for exit intentions? Personality traits
definitely affects EIs and has been proved through empirical researches. Integration of personality
traits with contextual factors is an area which is still underdeveloped and needs to be explored for
further research. Considering methodologies adopted by the researchers in previous research papers
is quantitative approach. Increasing number of publications in this area lacks categorization and
systematization to provide direction for new researchers. There are chances that this lack of
direction may lead towards stagnation (Fayolle and Linan, 2014). Therfore, now there is a need for
providing some sequence and order to the literature relevant to EI. Consequently, this study has
been completed to cover the systematic literature analysis on entrepreneurial intentions, its
determinants, also identify themes, research gaps in the existing literature and direction to the future
research.
Literature Review
Emergence of Entrepreneurship
It has been observed that in last few years due to financial crises an unemployment is
increasing. This growing unemployment is creating some serious problems for the economy, such
as it resulted in crimes, law and order situation, and some other economic and social problems. The
Entrepreneur
The entrepreneur is defined as a person who acts as a change agent, finds new ways and
Entrepreneurial Intentions
that guide and direct an individual to achieve the goal of launching a new business. It is important
to identify the factors that drives the young people towards entrepreneurial intentions (Krueger et
al., 2000), a lot of research has been conducted on the role of individual, self- efficacy and
perceived social norms in becoming entrepreneur. Going back to the start of literature relevant to
Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI), two basic components gave birth to EI. One was from social
psychology, stemming from cognitive processes and analyzing behaviors of the people in general.
Ajzen and Fishbein (1980), which became Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is most widely used
theory by the researchers in this area. A study conducted by entrepreneurship field expert (Shapero,
1984) also made huge contribution by introducing theory known as Entrepreneurial Event Model
(EEM). These two were major contribution for initiating the EI research through psychology.
Krueger and Carsrud (1993) made TPB as reference theory to be attached with EI. Two major
contributions by Kolvereid (1996a, b) were responsible for ensuring applicability of TPB in the
for explaining a change in them (Avasilcai and Hutu, 2010). A few of the papers in this sub-theme
considered sustainable orientation and its impact on EIs (Kuckertz and Wagner, 2010). Social
entrepreneurial intention (SOEIs) have emerged the most recent researchable topic. Analyzed
relationship between EE and SOEIs (Smith and Woodworth, 2012). One of the research papers
made use of empathy as predictor of SOEIs and another used higher secondary school sample
respondent for measuring SOEIs (Prieto, 2011). A few of the research papers investigated the
explain EIs (Gregoire and Shepherd, 2012). No specific pattern was observed using published
articles. Although entrepreneurial intentions is not an emerging concept but still trend of increased
publications in this area have been observed after 2010. The literature was examined and classified
Group 1
This group deals with theoretical models, issues relevant to theory and methodologies for
5papers. Zhao et al. (2005) used self-efficacy as mediating variable and found full mediation of this
variable. Hmieleski and Corbett (2006) used tendency for creativeness as construct in the
conventional Entrepreneurial Intention model. Gelderen et al. (2008) applied the traditional model
using TPB for determining EI of students. Two remaining papers addressed methodological issues
in the EI questionnaire. They developed and validated EI Questionnaire (EIQ) for measuring TPB
2.3.2 Group 2
This category contains largest number of research articles addressing the influence of
experience, demographics, psychological variables and personal traits on EI. Impact of some
psychological
Variables, such as risk taking are analyzed using EI model (Segal et al. 2005). These papers
analyzed the effects of background variables on EI. Carr and Sequeira (2007) made extensive use of
family background as explanatory variable and measured its effects on EI. Gird and Bagraim (2008)
validated these results through their research. Impact of entrepreneurship education in university
students was determined. Linan and Santos (2007) considered social capital for conducting their
study. Papers focused on gender issues like Wilson et al. (2007) utilized entrepreneurship education
and its effects were higher on women’s self-efficacy as compared to men and through this it affects
their EI. Gupta et al. (2008, 2009) clearly verified the gender stereotypes in entrepreneurship.
Group 3
Programmes (EEP) and its impact on EI. Pittaway & Cope (2007) conducted systematic literature
review on the EEP and found generally positive impact on EI of the respondents. Fayolle et al.,
(2006) evaluated the impact of EEP on EI using engineering and sciences as respondents.
Papers in this category concentrated on impact of macro environment factors like culture
and institutional on the formation of EI in the different regions of the world. These papers
compared the samples taken from different geographical locations of the world. Veciana et al.,
(2005) compared respondents from Puerto Rico and Spain, De Pillis and Reardon (2007) analyzed
samples from USA and Ireland, Engle et al., (2010) made comparison among samples of 12
countries.
Group 4
Papers in this category concentrated on impact of macro environment factors like culture
and institutional on the formation of EI in the different regions of the world. These papers
compared the samples taken from different geographical locations of the world. Veciana et al.,
(2005) compared respondents from Puerto Rico and Spain, De Pillis and Reardon (2007) analyzed
samples from USA and Ireland, Engle et al., (2010) made comparison among samples of 12
countries.
Group 5
This category considered entrepreneurial thinking as a whole process and tried to predict
actual behavior of the individuals regarding EIs. For this purpose, Kolvereid and Isaksen (2006)
carried out a longitudinal study on Norwegian university students to verify EIs. Sample respondents
who showed their EI, did they started a new venture? Nabi et al. (2006), analyzed research literature
between the stages of being a student and starting up a new venture and identified many gaps that
can be fulfilled.
Research Methodology
Literature relevant to EI has reached peak point and now is the time to analyze and
categorize the main themes from it. For this purpose, researchers performed systematic literature
review of the recent research articles published in impact factor journals on EI. Only research
articles were considered and conference papers, chapters, books were excluded to validate
knowledge (Podsakoff et al. 2005). Different databases like emerald insight and others were used
by the researchers to find research article relevant to EI using two keywords “intent” and “entrep”.
Reason for selecting these database was wide coverage of the journals. 132 in total papers were
found and 110 papers were considered after eliminating duplicated papers. All the abstracts of 132
were read by the researcher and all the paper was read for confirmation whether it was relevant to
EI. After going through these articles, 22 were eliminated because they were irrelevant. At the end,
110 research papers were included for analysis. Publications between 2005 to 2012 were considered
For starting, citation analysis was used for finding out most influential research publications
during this time period. A frequently cited paper is an indication of the importance and value of the
research work to the scientific knowledge that can be used for advancement in the field (Casillas
and Acedo, 2007). This methodology was also used by Gundolf and Filser (2013) for making
citation analysis. The main categories which emerged from these articles were considered as base or
reference for thematic analysis. According to Ryan and Bernard (2003), categories or themes
represent the main concept of the research article used by researchers. Themes and sub-themes
represent arguments, core ideas, research questions, concepts, constructs, their measurements and
conceptual linkages among the expressions given in the articles (Thorpe et al., 2005). Themes were
Citation Analysis
By analyzing cross-citations from the sample papers, were found to be influential ones
which received most citations. Researcher analyzed these 19 papers on the basis of similarities in
content. Researcher thoroughly read all these papers to identify main categories from them. After
conducting analysis, main categories were identified by the researcher. Majority of the papers 15
were published between time period of 2005 and 2008. Only 4 were published between time period
of 2009 and 2010. These papers got quick acceptance by the researcher academic community.
Group 1
This group deals with theoretical models, issues relevant to theory and methodologies for
5papers. Zhao et al. (2005) used self-efficacy as mediating variable and found full mediation of this
variable. Hmieleski and Corbett (2006) used tendency for creativeness as construct in the
conventional Entrepreneurial Intention model. Gelderen et al. (2008) applied the traditional model
using TPB for determining EI of students. Two remaining papers addressed methodological issues
in the EI questionnaire. They developed and validated EI Questionnaire (EIQ) for measuring TPB
Group 2
This category contains largest number of research articles addressing the influence of
experience, demographics, psychological variables and personal traits on EI. Impact of some
psychological
Variables, such as risk taking are analyzed using EI model (Segal et al. 2005). These papers
analyzed the effects of background variables on EI. Carr and Sequeira (2007) made extensive use of
family background as explanatory variable and measured its effects on EI. Gird and Bagraim (2008)
validated these results through their research. Impact of entrepreneurship education in university
students was determined. Linan and Santos (2007) considered social capital for conducting their
study. Papers focused on gender issues like Wilson et al. (2007) utilized entrepreneurship education
and its effects were higher on women’s self-efficacy as compared to men and through this it affects
their EI. Gupta et al. (2008, 2009) clearly verified the gender stereotypes in entrepreneurship.
Group 3
Programmes (EEP) and its impact on EI. Pittaway & Cope (2007) conducted systematic literature
review on the EEP and found generally positive impact on EI of the respondents. Fayolle et al.,
(2006) evaluated the impact of EEP on EI using engineering and sciences as respondents.
Group 4
Papers in this category concentrated on impact of macro environment factors like culture
and institutional on the formation of EI in the different regions of the world. These papers
compared the samples taken from different geographical locations of the world. Veciana et al.,
(2005) compared respondents from Puerto Rico and Spain, De Pillis and Reardon (2007) analyzed
samples from USA and Ireland, Engle et al., (2010) made comparison among samples of 12
countries.
Group 5
This category considered entrepreneurial thinking as a whole process and tried to predict
actual behavior of the individuals regarding EIs. For this purpose, Kolvereid and Isaksen (2006)
carried out a longitudinal study on Norwegian university students to verify EIs. Sample respondents
who showed their EI, did they started a new venture? Nabi et al. (2006), analyzed research literature
between the stages of being a student and starting up a new venture and identified many gaps that
can be fulfilled.
Thematic Analysis
Thematic analysis started with considering all papers as already discussed in the citation
analysis. All the papers were independently reviewed by the author and categorized into five
categories and sub-categories within a category. There were some papers having more than
objective and fell in more than one category. Keeping the main objective of that paper in mind,
these papers were included in main category. Few papers were classified and included in a new
category named “Future Research”. Several sub-themes were identified within a theme and
followed same distribution pattern of citation analysis. Group 1 contained largest number of papers
40 and group 5 with least number of papers 11. Sixth category which was named future research
intentions is not an emerging concept but still trend of increased publications in this area have been
observed after 2010. There have been few emerging concepts which have been included in future
research category. Now, research talk about sub-themes existing in every main theme or category.
Maximum number of publications in this theme focused on verifying the core model or
general conditions of the entrepreneurial intention model keeping in mind start up intentions. Some
of the papers focused on some other intentions like intention to internationalize, intention to exit,
growth intention and etc. There was a set of papers that developed new theoretical framework other
Papers in this category generally tested or verified Theory of Planned behavior (TPB) or
Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM) by Sharpao using different samples like school students at
higher level (Paço et al. 2011), university students with different academic background (Gelderen et
al. 2008) and general population (Drnovsek and Erikson, 2005). Respondents were taken from
diverse geographical locations of the world like developing Afghanistan, Tunisia, Malaysia, China,
Peru, Ethiopia, Emerging Economies Ukraine, Romania, and Developed Nations like Portugal,
Germany, Spain, and France. Most of the papers tested TPB followed by EEM and four of them
integrated these two models (Solesvik et al. 2012; Drnovsek and Erikson 2005). A few of the papers
considered perceived feasibility and desirability instead of behavioral control and attitude. One of
the authors took social valuation of entrepreneurship instead of risk taking propensity (Lanero et al.,
2011). Papers in this category largely confirmed the application of two renowned theories of
entrepreneurial intentions.
Specific Intentions
Theory of planned behavior model can be applied to different fields of life not only to
entrepreneurship like in marketing also. For example, this model can be used to predict intentions
therefore entrepreneurial process can also be divided into different parts. One of the authors focused
on growth intentions like Kozan et al. (2006) and exit intentions (Brigham et al., 2007). Some of the
papers focused on corporate EI Fini et al. (2012) and intentions to internationalize (Sommer and
Haug, 2011). Few of the papers compared alternative models for comparing EI found the
differences between the EI for growth purposes and in general or independently. Papers like Prabhu
et al. (2012) and Carey et al. (2010) compared the EI of the different types of ventures i.e. general
and growth ventures. As a whole intention models are considered to be satisfactory as per
Papers in this sub-category made use of other explanatory variables with basic TPB model
were grouped together. Some of the models have resemblance with conventional EI model given in
the (Hechavarria et al. 2012), Expectancy theory presented by (Renko et al. 2012). Gartner (2010)
entrepreneurship. Quan (2012) created a difference between deliberate and impulsive EIs using
Extra Variables: EI model typically predicts 40 to 60% variation and some studies have proposed
adding more variables in the traditional EI model. Hayton and Cholakovas (2012) advised to
include more propositions to be tested using qualitative research. Hmieleski and Corbett (2006)
entrepreneurship considers explanatory variables affect indirectly or directly EIs. However, some of
the researchers adopted alternate configurations which were further divided into three categories.
Zhao et al. (2005) and Nasurdin et al. (2009) analyzed effect of mediation using self-efficacy.
Fitzsimmons and Douglas (2011) studied the interaction between feasibility and desirability.
Main Categories and Sub-Categories with Entrepreneurship Education: Papers in this category
were sub-divided into three sub-categories which are as following. Most of the research papers in
this category were focused on the personality of the respondents or students differentiate among
Characteristics of Respondents: This sub-category not only focused on the EIs of the students
after taking entrepreneurship education but also evaluating the contents of the programmes
(Tounes, 2006; Bakotic and Kruzic, 2010). Leung et al. (2012) considered EIs of the students and
tried to find out the reasons which students were willing to take entrepreneurship education and
of the students after taking Entrepreneurship Education Programmes (EEP) offered by the
universities. It was found that most of the students had higher level of EIs after taking EEPs
(Shahidi, 2012). One of the papers analyzed the relationship of participation of EEPs and perceived
EIs using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Reports. Some of the studies compared the EIs
of the students who have participated in the EEP and who have not. Findings showed that those
who had attended EEP had higher EIs than who did not (Pihie and Bagheri, 2009). Selection of the
students were based on researcher’s own selection which can be biased. Therefore, (Degeorge and
Fayolle, 2008) conducted a longitudinal study on the students regarding EIs who had attended EEP
after 7 years. Pittaway and Cope (2007) wrote a review paper which showed a positive relationship
reviewed the different EEPs and evaluated their impact on the EIs of the students. Methodological
variations exist among the various studies like focused on entrepreneurship as mandatory subject
(Graevenitz et al. 2010), using of pre (Souitaris et al., 2007) and post measurement criteria for
sample selection (Fayolle et al., 2006). Negative relationship was found having previous
entrepreneurial experience (Fayolle and Gailly, 2009). Graevenitz et al., (2010) suggested that it’s
good to have low EI, when a person enhances his realistic information and gets insight into
entrepreneurship.
different respondents belonging to different institutes. Comparison among the countries, different
schools or universities (Wang and Verzat, 2011) and different geographical locations within a
country (Packham et al., 2010). They tried to differentiate on the basis of external factors of EEP.
Main Themes and Sub-Themes within Personality and Psychological Factors: This theme
contains large number of research papers and has diversified sub-themes with main theme. Almost
half of the research papers in this category are related to psychological and personality factors and
how they affect EIs of the students of the universities. Secondly, most of the papers dealt with
demographic, gender differences and background variables that also affect EIs.
Psychological and Personality Aspects: Although personality traits have received some criticism
but still a lot of researchers are paying attention to it. Large number of studies are relying on it
using big five personality traits and their impact on EIs (Zhao et al. 2010). Few studies have also
shown the positive relationship between personality traits and EIs using meta-analysis
(Brandstatter, 2011). Personality traits have been studied by many researchers to analyze its impact
on EIs including narcissism, risk perceptions, locus of control and innovativeness (Segal et al.
2005; Ahmed et al. 2010; Zellweger et al. 2011). Similarly, psychological factors such as career
choice and cognitive-styles have also shown to affect EIs using empirical studies (Kickul et al.
2010). Some of the researches have proved that abilities relevant to EIs can be developed with
passage of time and are found to impact positively like emotional intelligence and creativity
Demographic and Background Variables: Most of the papers in this category are related to
situational factors and their influence on the EIs of the university students like family business
background, family business experience and family education. These all constructs have positive
affect on the EIs as provided evidence by the following studies (Gird and Bagraim, 2008; Wu and
Wu, 2008; Guerrero et al. 2008; Hadjimanolis and Poutziouris, 2011; Bhandari, 2012). Most
prominent number of papers focused on the role model and their impact on building EIs (Carr and
Sequeira, 2007). Social capital also had been found to empirically impact EIs (Linan and Santos,
2007).
Gender Problems: This sub-theme in all of the main themes has more consistency or less variation
among all ones. Males constitute more positive perceived feasibility, attitude and higher EIs
towards entrepreneurship as compared to females (Dabic et al., 2012; Strobl et al. 2012). On the
opposite side of the males, females get more influenced by role models and Entrepreneurship
Education (Wilson et al., 2007). Women perceive more barriers to entrepreneurship as compared to
men, therefore are less likely to convert their ideas into reality (Shinnar et al., 2012).
Explicit Subsamples: This set of papers considered two specific samples from population
exhibiting particular characteristics. These samples were students from higher secondary schools
having limited scope and experience regarding entrepreneurship (Marques et al. 2012) and ones
who had much experience regarding entrepreneurship (Tornikoski and Kautonen 2009).
Perceived Barriers: This specific sub-theme has been found to be underdeveloped. Only three
research papers were found and indicating general nature problems like skills, financial, market and
knowledge barriers negatively affects EIs of the sample respondents (Choo and Wong, 2006).
Main Themes in the Role of Institutions and Context Category: Majority of the research papers
in this theme are concentrated on two main sub-themes. First one, role of context or environment,
secondly role of institutions in developing EIs. EI models have been applied in differently
diversified culture, ethnic backgrounds and others analyzing the influence of institutions. Lastly,
Multicultural Studies: Main focus in this sub-theme is to investigate that how EIs differ across
different countries. There has been a lot of variation in the EIs due to differences in the cultures.
Two research papers have used secondary data from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and
results indicated favorable support for acceptability of EIs varying across cultures as predicted by
different antecedents. Initially, samples from two countries are taken for analyzing EIs (De Pillis
and Reardon, 2007). More number of sample respondents from different countries were taken in
order to generalize the findings of the results like six, seven and twelve and even thirteen (Moriano
et al. 2012; Davey et al., 2011; Engle et al. 2010; Iakovleva et al., 2011).
Institutional Variables:
Formal institutions as well as informal are important to any nation because they play a vital
role in development of EIs among individuals. Studies have proven that when institutions play
positive role in any society then EIs are also found to be high (Linan et al., 2011). In this sub-
theme, institutions like regional context, social networks and universities play dominant role in
shaping EIs of the individuals (Zafar et al,. 2012; Turker and Selcuk, 2009).
Environmental Approach: This paper represents sub-theme of its own and unique of its own kind
authored by Tang (2008). Findings of his study indicated that environmental philanthropy
enhances EIs.
arised after going through articles related to such category. These sub-categories were focused on
how different constructs or variables affect entrepreneurial process and one sub-theme considered
behavior with passage of time. There is lack of such studies as they tend to consume a lot of time
for data collection and facing the problem of tracking same respondents for their study and
variables specially EI on the entrepreneurial process. Most of the papers are quantitative in
approach or empirical studies (Doern, 2009). A few of them are based on literature review and few
of them are based on special issue of the journal (Nabi et al., 2006). Some of the papers also
considered particular aspects and their impact on different stage of entrepreneurial process like
impact of personality traits and growth barriers (Frank et al. 2007; Doern, 2009). Overall, this sub-
Longitudinal Studies: These studies are considered to be most effective way to measure
relationship between intention behavior link. Most known study in this sub-theme was by
(Kolvereid and Isaksen, 2006) that took nascent entrepreneurs as sample respondents for
investigating intention behavior link. At last, after 18 years EI predicted intention behavior link to
be true in a study conducted by years (Schoon and Duckworth, 2012). Few research gaps exist in
this category to investigate alternative theories like exchange theory and career decision making
Discussion
According to the categories given in the articles, few conceptual and definitional issues
remain. There is still opportunity for integrating more models using different theories into the field
of entrepreneurship like expectancy and social cognitive career theory. These theories can
contribute to the theory and practice through entrepreneurial process linked with EIs (Krueger,
2009). More complex models using alternative configurations can be used for determining
motivational factors for startup decision, exit intentions, corporate entrepreneurship intentions. Few
efforts have been made at the methodological level to develop questionnaire instrument.
Researchers needs to consider nascent entrepreneurs as respondents for EIs. Considering the
recommendations of Shook et al. (2003), researchers need to triangulate their results using different
methods.
Review of the papers in this category suggests that contents and teaching techniques need to
be improved in order to improve EIs in the students. Studies have empirically proved that
differences between the attitudes and intentions exists among the students who have attended EEP
and who have not. However, generalization of these results in different contexts remains doubtful
(Zhao et al., 2005). Some of the variables have shown undecided results and their influence on EIs
building of the students like teacher’s teaching methodology, their expertise, previous
entrepreneurial experience, available resources, course contents. Special attention needs to be given
to the groups who have received EEP and who have not with different methodologies and
treatments in order to avoid biasness in the studies. In the end, researchers need to focus on the pre
Following the recommendations given by (Krueger, 2009), research regarding EIs can
progress by understanding deep phenomenon that lies down it. Researchers need to further
understand in aggressive manner mental processes and entrepreneurial decision making that
deepens our understanding about EIs (Hayton and Cholakova, 2012; Prabhu et al., 2012). Research
on barriers have been ignored till now and deserves more attention by the researchers. Few
neglected areas can be worked on perceived barriers for the males and females and how they
discourage them from having EIs. Another area that can be carried is to measure EIs of the high
secondary students through perceived barriers. Third area can be using different combinations of
demographic, background and personality variables with perceived barriers to predict EIs.
As research have shown strong impact of formal and informal institutions on the
development of EIs. However, much research is needed for the multi-dimensional nature of context
and investigating relationship between public policy and EIs (Zahra and Wright, 2011). Research
gap still exists regarding how context shapes EIs in an individual using qualitative research
(Ethnography). Different countries are considered one of the dimensions of context, other
dimensions can also be considered for further analysis like regional and national level. Other
variables like impact of regulatory bodies, policy implementation, incentive systems on EIs
specifically can also be explored (Engle et al., 2011; Linan et al. 2011).
appreciateable (Krueger, 2009). There are large research gaps and more empirical studies are
needed to provide evidence for making strong link between intention behaviors. Previous studies
have shown strong correlation between intention behaviors ranging from 0.90 to 0.96 (Ajzen et al.,
2009). A meta-analysis on TPB indicates that it explains only 27% change in the entrepreneurial
behavior on average (Armitage and Conner, 2001). Which factors accurately explains variation in
the intention behavior link still remains to be explored. More aggressive research is required in this
particular domain as indicated by (Laspita et al., 2012). Another missing link between intention
behaviors could be one’s commitment to new venture creation as suggested by (Fayolle et al.,
2011).
Conclusion
As mentioned before, EI is a prominent area in the field of entrepreneurship. But with the
passage of time, new concepts, theories, questions, knowledge arises which needs to answered with
new research approaches either using new methodology or theoretical contribution. Entrepreneurial
intentions is an evolving area within the field of entrepreneurship and its importance is evident from
increasing number of publications and citations even in the top tier journals. Large number of
studies needs to be systematically analyzed to find trends, patterns and research gaps in the previous
literature. Therefore, purpose of the study was to carry out a systematic literature review in order to
do citation and thematic analysis. For this purpose, 110 research papers focused on entrepreneurial
intentions published between 2005 and 2012 in the renowned electronic databases were considered
for analysis. Major contribution of this paper lies in the citation and thematic analysis of the large
number of publications. Relevant research gaps were also identified through extant literature
review. Citation analysis is one of the influential instrument for the scholars to show impact of their
research in the respective field. It was uphill task to classify such huge number of studies based on
their themes and sub-themes. Thematic analysis can provide direction to the researchers working in
the area of EI. Basically two research questions were answered in the respective articles relating to
Based on the citation and thematic analysis of the study, five main themes or categories
Theme 1: Maximum number of publications in this theme focused on verifying the core model or
general conditions of the entrepreneurial intention model keeping in mind start up intentions. Most
of the papers in this category tried to predict EIs through core theories used (TPB or EEM) or
Theme 2: This theme contains large number of research papers and has diversified sub-themes with
main theme. Almost half of the research papers in this category are related to psychological and
personality factors and how they affect EIs of the students of the universities. Most of the papers
dealt with demographic, gender differences and background variables that also affect EIs.
Theme 3: Papers in this category were sub-divided into three sub-categories which are as
following. Finding differences of EIs among students of different fields. Evaluating differences in
EIs of the students who took EEP and ones who did not take EEP. Evaluating different
Theme 4: Majority of the research papers in this theme are concentrated on two main sub-themes.
First one, role of context or environment, secondly role of institutions in developing EIs. EI models
have been applied in differently diversified culture, ethnic backgrounds and others analyzing the
influence of institutions. Lastly, only one paper can be sub-categorized under ecological approach.
Theme 5: Two diversified sub-categories arised after going through articles related to such
category. These sub-categories were focused on how different constructs or variables affect
This study has major implications for many stakeholders like entrepreneurs themselves,
educationists, policy makers, practioners, industrialists, Government. This study can help existing
as well as budding entrepreneurs to get inspired by the ideas and turn their EI into entrepreneurial
behavior. This study can also help mentors; trainers find different ways to enhance EIs in the
development of new ventures. Instructors, educationists and teachers can gain benefit from such
study to share their understanding about relationship of entrepreneurship education and EIs. They
can provide insights to it using their own understanding and suggestions provided through this
research work. Industrialists or current entrepreneurs can make use of this study by finding ways to
inspire employees to be nascent entrepreneurs in the near future or boost their EIs. They can
Government and policy makers can develop such policies that can increase EIs of the youth or
No study is without limits. Firstly, all papers related to EI were not considered. Secondly,
chapters from the books were excluded. Thirdly, selection of the research papers solely depended
upon researcher’s judgement which may vary from person to person. Fourthly, citation analyses
showed the impact of most of the current papers. However, it may be possible that few of these
papers gain more citations and gain impact in the near future in the area of EI.
Few of the papers were not categorized in any of the themes or sub-themes. These papers
were focused on developing EIs through particular entrepreneurial activity. These research papers
have been published in the years after 2012 which are categorized into further two themes:
entrepreneurial intentions (SUEIs) focused on individual values for explaining a change in them
(Avasilcai and Hutu, 2010). A few of the papers in this sub-theme considered sustainable
orientation and its impact on EIs (Kuckertz and Wagner, 2010). Social entrepreneurial intention
(SOEIs) have emerged the most recent researchable topic. Analyzed relationship between EE and
SOEIs (Smith and Woodworth, 2012). One of the research papers made use of empathy as predictor
of SOEIs and another used higher secondary school sample respondent for measuring SOEIs
(Prieto, 2011). A few of the research papers investigated the impact of specific variables like
Shepherd, 2012).
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