Returning home: entrepreneurial intention among rural college students

Abstract

PurposeBased on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the purpose of this study is to provide a well-supported explanation of how rural college students (RCS)’ entrepreneurial learning experiences (ELE) affect their returning home entrepreneurial intention (RHEI) through the three antecedents of TPB (Personal attitudes, PA; Subjective norms, SN and Perceived behavioral control, PBC).Design/methodology/approachAn extension of the TPB was proposed, including the additional constructs of entrepreneurial learning experiences(ELE). Data were collected from a sample of 986 rural college students from ten universities and colleges located in China using a survey questionnaire. SEM was used to test the hypotheses and the relationships between variables.FindingsRCS’ ELE significantly and positively influences the formation of their RHEI through the mediating effect of PBC. In addition, the three antecedents of TPB have direct and significant impact on RHEI, and PA, PBC indirectly mediate the relation between SN and RHEI.Practical implicationsThe results of this study have implications for entrepreneurship educators and policymakers by promoting RCS’ RHEI through optimize the content and methods of entrepreneurship education from the perspective of students learning, and strengthening publicity for rural entrepreneurship, increase support for returning home entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThe role of ELE in forming RCS' RHEI has been underestimated by previous studies. This study combines the push-pull theory with TPB to explore the formation mechanism of RCS’ RHEI, and helps to understand the role of ELE in shaping RHEI through the development of an extended TPB intention-based model.