This study explores the determinants of entrepreneurial intention (EI) among engineering students in Kuwait, addressing a notable gap in regional entrepreneurship education research. It aims to assess the applicability of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in understanding entrepreneurial motivation in this context.
Grounded in TPB, this study investigates the direct and indirect effects of subjective norms (SN), attitudes toward entrepreneurial behavior (ATE) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on entrepreneurial intentions. Data were collected through a survey administered to 240 engineering students in Kuwait. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the role of ATE and PBC as mediators in the relationship between SN and EI.
Results indicate that TPB effectively explains entrepreneurial intention among university students in Kuwait. While ATE and PBC directly influence EI, SN impacts EI indirectly through both ATE and PBC. These outcomes emphasize the significance of social influence and individual perception in shaping entrepreneurial motivations.
This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on entrepreneurship education in the Gulf Cooperation Council by empirically validating the TPB model in a Kuwaiti higher education context. It provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region.
