An Analysis of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in Shaping Students' Entrepreneurial Intentions
Authors
Department of Accountancy and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Johor Branch, Jalan Segamat / Labis, 85000, Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. (Malaysia)
Department of Accountancy and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Perak Branch, Jalan Kolej, Taman Bandar Baru, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. (Malaysia)
Faculty of Technology Management and Technopreneurship, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia. (Malaysia)
School of Business Management (SBM), Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah. (Malaysia)
Department of Accountancy and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Pahang Branch, Jalan IM 9/2, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. (Malaysia)
Department of Accountancy and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Sabah Branch, No 1, Jalan Alamesra, Alamesra, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. (Malaysia)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100900083
Subject Category: Entrepreneurial Intentions
Volume/Issue: 10/9 | Page No: 1254-1262
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-09-17
Accepted: 2026-09-22
Published: 2026-09-30
Abstract
Entrepreneurial intention is an important precursor to entrepreneurial behaviour and has received increasing attention in higher education research. This study examines the influence of Attitude toward Entrepreneurship, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioural Control on students’ Entrepreneurial Intention using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as the underlying theoretical framework. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected from approximately 250 undergraduate students in Malaysian higher education institutions using a structured questionnaire. The measurement items were assessed using a seven-point Likert scale and analysed using SPSS Version 29. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and multiple linear regression were employed to analyse the data and test the proposed hypotheses. The reliability results demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency across all constructs, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.908 to 0.953. The regression findings revealed that Attitude toward Entrepreneurship had a positive and significant effect on Entrepreneurial Intention (β = 0.123, p = 0.004). Perceived Behavioural Control also demonstrated a positive and significant effect and emerged as the strongest predictor of Entrepreneurial Intention (β = 0.710, p < 0.001). In contrast, Subjective Norms had a positive but insignificant effect on Entrepreneurial Intention (β = 0.105, p = 0.149). Overall, the findings support the applicability of TPB in explaining students’ entrepreneurial intentions, particularly through the roles of attitude and perceived behavioural control. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening students’ entrepreneurial capabilities, confidence, and positive perceptions through effective entrepreneurship education and institutional support.
Keywords
Not provided in the supplied text. Suggested keywords based on the title are Theory of Planned Behaviour, entrepreneurial intentions, students, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial behaviour.
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References
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