Factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among the rural population in India

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims at examining the factors affecting entrepreneurial intention (EI) among the rural adult population in India using the social cognitive theory (SCT). Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the Adult Population Survey of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor of 2017, covering 1,397 rural respondents from India. The data has been analysed using simple techniques such as Chi-square statistics, correlation and logistics regression. Findings About 16% of the rural adults have reported EI in India. A significant relationship emerged between the demographics of rural adults with and without intention towards entrepreneurship. Finally, the regression model representing two components of the SCT, that is, confidence towards entrepreneurship and outcome expectations from entrepreneurship, showed a significant impact on EI among the rural population when controlled by family size and working status. Practical implications This paper provides insights on factors affecting EI among rural adults, which can help in developing a policy framework for promoting new ventures among rural entrepreneurs. The result of the analysis indicates that the rural population need to be imparted the necessary skills to gain confidence in entrepreneurship, which should be aligned with the outcome expectations of the entrepreneurs. Originality/value This piece of research can be valuable for different stakeholders in adopting inclusive entrepreneurial initiatives. Moreover, entrepreneurship in rural areas has not gained much attention among scholars, and this study is intended to provide future research motivation.

The Digitalization Technology for Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship: A Structured Review

“…The study conducted by [13] seeks to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention within the 1,397 rural adult population of India. The analysis reveals a significant association between the demographics of rural adults and their inclination toward entrepreneurship.…”

“…The existing findings on digital transformation in SMEs are limited and remain fragmented. Considering the importance of the financial contribution SMEs can offer to nations and economies, it is timely and relevant to conduct a profound analysis of digital transformation in SMEs [13]. In addition, rural entrepreneurship paves the way to solve issues faced by rural populations by spurring economic development in rural areas.…”

“…However, entrepreneurial ventures within rural areas also face a number of issues in initiating new ventures. The advancement of digital technologies, technological platforms, and digital artifacts may provide a solution for such issues faced by rural entrepreneurs [13]. The understanding of how digital technologies assist rural entrepreneurs in overcoming the problems they face is crucial.…”

Digital ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic development as enablers of digital technology entrepreneurship

“…Entrepreneurship development provides an opportunity for strengthening innovation, creating employment and promoting inclusive growth and empowerment (Ali et al, 2023;Ibrahim & Mas'ud, 2016;Urban & Ratsimanetrimanana, 2019;Wannamakok & Chang, 2020).…”

“…Entrepreneurship is an engine of economic growth, development and prosperity worldwide (Mack & Mayer, 2016; Walsh & Winsor, 2019). Entrepreneurship development provides an opportunity for strengthening innovation, creating employment and promoting inclusive growth and empowerment (Ali et al, 2023; Ibrahim & Mas'ud, 2016; Urban & Ratsimanetrimanana, 2019; Wannamakok & Chang, 2020). Several studies have argued that the entrepreneurship development process takes cues from the surrounding business environment and exploits the opportunities into a sustainable business proposition (Contreras‐Barraza et al, 2021; Giotopoulos et al, 2017; Krueger et al, 2000; Wannamakok & Chang, 2020).…”