Title: Investigating entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours of Saudi distance business learners: main antecedents and mediators

Authors: Wassim J. Aloulou

Addresses: College of Economics and Administration Sciences, Al Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), P.B. 5701, 11432 Riyadh, KSA.

Abstract: This study aims to contribute to the entrepreneurial intention and behaviour literature by applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to a Saudi context and determining the factors that affect intentions and behaviours of Saudi distance learners to start a new business. Using a sample of 178 distance business learners, results showed that attitudes toward behaviour and perceived behavioural control were significantly associated with entrepreneurial intentions, and both intentions and perceived behavioural control explain actual behaviours. Findings also showed mediation roles in explaining respectively intentions and actual behaviours. The implications of these findings are discussed for both entrepreneurship researchers and university policy makers.

Keywords: entrepreneurial intention; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; Saudi final-year distance business learners; linear and hierarchical regressions; mediation.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2017.085506

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2017 Vol.10 No.3, pp.231 - 257

Received: 31 Aug 2016
Accepted: 06 Dec 2016
Published online: 28 Jul 2017 *

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