The Impact of Optimism and Pre-Entrepreneurial Curiosity on the Entrepreneurial Intention with the Moderating Effect of Gender: With Special Reference to the Undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya

Abstract

Many research studies were performed concerning factors influencing entrepreneurial intention. Yet, none of these studies described the impact of optimism and pre-entrepreneurial curiosity with the moderating effect of gender among the undergraduates in a state university in Sri Lanka. The researchers conducted a questionnaire survey to fill this gap by collecting data from 353 undergraduates covering all the faculties of the University of Kelaniya by utilizing the proportionate stratified random sampling method. Findings indicate that optimism and pre-entrepreneurial curiosity have a positive impact on undergraduates' entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, the findings reveal that gender moderates the relationship between optimism and entrepreneurial intention. Identifying psychological factors that determine an undergraduate's entrepreneurial intention is essential because, after recognizing that, educators and policymakers can implement different strategies to enhance those aspects to stimulate entrepreneurial intention further.