The aim of this research paper is to explore the influence of place of residence (urban or rural) on the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of university students in Northeast India, using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as the theoretical framework. The study examines family income (high income or low income) as a moderating variable to understand its impact on the relationship between place of residence and EI.
The study uses the EI questionnaire (EIQ) to collect data from four universities in Northeast India. Structural equation modelling was employed.
The findings reveal that urban origin enhances EI indirectly through the mediation of perceived behavioural control. Also, family income moderates the relationships between personal attitude and EI and between perceived behavioural control and EI. Specifically, high family income strengthens the influence of personal attitude on EI, while low family income amplifies the effect of perceived behavioural control on EI.
Apart from several practical and policy implications, these findings contribute to understanding the linkage of regional disparities in entrepreneurial motivation and the role of economic background in shaping entrepreneurial aspirations.
The paper is a first of its kind to analyse the impact of place of residence (urban or rural) on the EI of university students in Northeast India.
