Locus of control and entrepreneurial intention: a study in a developing economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Arkorful ◽  
Sam Kris Hilton
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
External Locus ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Locus Of Control

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of locus of control (internal and external) on entrepreneurial intention of final year undergraduate students in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts descriptive and cross-sectional survey designs. It also employs quantitative approach to collect the data from 300 final year undergraduate students in selected universities in Ghana. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and hierarchical regression techniques.FindingsThe results reveal that there is a positive relationship between locus of control (both internal and external) and entrepreneurial intention. However, it is found that external locus of control has more influence on entrepreneurial intention compared to internal locus of control. In addition, gender has no controlling effect on the relationship between locus of control and entrepreneurial intention.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that entrepreneurial course contents should include topics on locus of control that will expose the students to the reality of their environments so as to learn how to take control and create opportunities out of their environments. Again, students should be encouraged and educated on how to build up personality traits such as the need for achievement, innovativeness and risk-taking, since these traits have direct impact on their locus of control which in turn impacts on their entrepreneurial intentions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by investigating determinants of entrepreneurial intention from a different perspective, and reveals that individuals (regardless of their gender) with external locus of control are more likely to become entrepreneurs in a developing economy.

scholarly journals Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: results of a Norwegian and a German-speaking cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Krampe ◽  
Lars Johan Danbolt ◽  
Annie Haver ◽  
Gry Stålsett ◽  
Tatjana Schnell
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
External Locus ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
External Locus Of Control

Abstract Background An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one’s life is contingent upon one’s actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one’s life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n = 1225) and a German-speaking sample (n = 1527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r = .61 and r = .55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p < .001), and LoC E exacerbated (p < .001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. Conclusions The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.

scholarly journals Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: Results of a cross-sectional survey in two large samples from Norway, Germany, and Austria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Krampe ◽  
Lars Johan Danbolt ◽  
Annie Haver ◽  
Gry Stålsett ◽  
Tatjana Schnell
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
External Locus ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
External Locus Of Control

Abstract Background: An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one’s life is contingent upon one’s actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one's life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n=1,225) and a German-speaking sample (n=1,527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r=.61 and r=.55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p<.001), and LoC E exacerbated (p<.001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. Conclusions: The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.

scholarly journals Psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial intention

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 825-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorayah Nasip ◽  
Sharifah Rahama Amirul ◽  
Stephen Laison Sondoh Jr ◽  
Geoffrey Harvey Tanakinjal
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Need For Achievement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Tolerance For Ambiguity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between individual psychological characteristics (i.e. innovativeness, locus of control, self-confidence, propensity to take risk, need for achievement and tolerance for ambiguity) and entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach A total of 676 undergraduate students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have participated in the survey. The data were analysed using partial least square technique version 2.0. Findings The results have shown that innovativeness, self-confidence, propensity to take risk, need for achievement and tolerance for ambiguity are positively related to entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. However, locus of control is not significantly related to entrepreneurial intention. Research limitations/implications Although samples of the research are quite large, this research only involves undergraduates in UMS. Therefore, findings obtained are not generalized because the results do not include other educational institutions in Malaysia. On the implication aspect, this research might give some views among undergraduates to embark in business after graduating. Practical implications In spite of that, students should be encouraged and equipped with innovativeness, self-confidence, propensity to take risk, need for achievement and tolerance for ambiguity to interpret successful entrepreneurial role models and identification of business prospects for their future career. Originality/value The findings of the research may extend existing knowledge in the entrepreneurial field as well as to provide valuable information to policy maker in strengthening and redesigning suitable curriculum not only at the university level, but also in pre-school by giving entrepreneurial awareness on how this knowledge will transform us into an entrepreneurial society that can create wonders for human kind.

Entrepreneurial intentions of university students: a case-based study

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. 393-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramo Palalić ◽  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Arnela Ðilović ◽  
Alina Dizdarević ◽  
Vanessa Ratten
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Experience

Purpose This study aims to examine the entrepreneurial intentions of university students at the International University of Sarajevo. For this purpose, the entrepreneurial desires and entrepreneurial orientations of the students across several demographic variables were measured. These variables included prior entrepreneurial experience, student’s gender, faculty, year of study and attitude towards more courses on entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the research also examined how business environment influences the entrepreneurial intentions of students by considering the same set of variables. Design/methodology/approach The objectives of this paper have been achieved by using a quantitative research instrument, where the cross-sectional survey method for collecting primary data is used. In total, 173 usable responses have been collected from the beginning of April to the end of May in the academic year 2015/2016. Findings The results indicate that the greater the demotivation with the current business surrounding, the smaller the entrepreneurial intentions of the students are when the prior entrepreneurial experience, gender, year of study and attitude towards more courses on entrepreneurship are considered. The study suggests that improving the overall business surrounding and entrepreneurial education might increase the entrepreneurial intentions of the students. Originality/value This is the first paper that treats entrepreneurial intentions of University students in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

LOCUS OF CONTROL, MENTAL ABILITY, SELF-ESTEEM AND ALIENATION

1987 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton de Man ◽  
Thierry Devisse
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mental Ability ◽  
External Locus ◽  
External Locus Of Control ◽  
The Relationship

Fifty undergraduate students took part in an investigation of the relationship among locus of control, mental ability, self-esteem, and alienation. The results suggested that alienation is related to external locus of control and low self-esteem. No significant association was found for mental ability and alienation. The relationships among locus of control, mental ability, self-esteem, and the alienation subcomponents of powerlessness, normlessness, and social isolation were explored.

scholarly journals Post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention – the case of Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Alammari ◽  
Robert Newbery ◽  
Mohamed Yacine Haddoud ◽  
Emily Beaumont
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Materialistic Values

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how cultural values influence the entrepreneurial process. It conceptualises the relationship between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention to explain low entrepreneurial activity.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with non-entrepreneurs. An online survey returned 405 valid questionnaires, representing a 27 per cent response rate. The data were analysed using partial least structural equation modelling.FindingsThe paper identifies key factors that explain the influence of changing cultural values on entrepreneurial activity. The results show that post-materialistic values influence entrepreneurial intention by decreasing desirability and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe study conceptualises the interplay between cultural values and entrepreneurial intention in Saudi Arabia. Further insights can be developed by comparing Saudi Arabia with other countries. The study was conducted as a “snapshot” of the current situation of entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia with a cross-sectional survey design.Practical implicationsThe paper holds important implications for entrepreneurship educators when addressing unsupportive cultures for entrepreneurial activity. Cultural and motivational approaches are suggested. While the former focuses on aspects that encourage the desire and confidence to start a business, the latter involves encouraging setting venture creation as a goal.Originality/valuePrevious studies indicated that post-materialistic values negatively influence entrepreneurship; this paper contributes further by exploring how this relationship manifests by exploring the intervening factors between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention. It advances entrepreneurship research by investigating deep assumptions underlying the formulation of entrepreneurial intentions. It also responds to the need to understand the difference in the levels of entrepreneurial activity across countries.

scholarly journals The mid-childhood and adolescent antecedents of women’s external locus of control orientation

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Golding ◽  
Steven Gregory ◽  
Yasmin Iles-Caven ◽  
Stephen Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Cigarette Smoke Exposure ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
External Locus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Orientation ◽  
External Locus Of Control

Background: External locus of control orientation (ELOC) is a powerful predictor of adverse consequences in regard to health, educational attainment, inter-personal relationships and well-being. Although many cross-sectional studies have been carried out, relatively little is known about antecedent factors influencing the development of ELOC. Methods: Over 12,000 pregnant women who enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in south-west England, had completed a brief version of the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External LOC scale, together with detailed questions concerning their own parents and childhood.  A series of hypothesis-free structured backwards stepwise logistic regression analyses used an exposome approach with ELOC as the outcome. Results: Significant positive associations were found with smoking of the parents of the surveyed women, including prenatal exposure, and their own onset of regular smoking in mid-childhood (6-11 years). Increased odds of ELOC were also found with the absence of their fathers in early childhood, presence of older siblings, and with being born and brought up in the same area as they resided in at the time surveyed. Protective influences in the surveyed women included positive rating of their mother’s care, having a relatively educated mother, attending boarding school, their own age (the older they were, the less likely were they to have an external orientation), having a mentally ill parent, a sibling hospitalized or a relative die. Conclusions: There are two conclusions: (i) that not all stressful events contribute to the development of ELOC and it would be essential for models of antecedents of ELOC to take note of this complexity, and (ii) there are consistent (albeit unexpected) findings that highlight associations with cigarette smoke exposure of the woman from fetal life through to when starting to smoke regularly herself in mid-childhood. It is important that these findings are tested in other populations.

Understanding effects of salesperson locus of control

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Hamwi ◽  
Brian Nicholas Rutherford ◽  
James S. Boles ◽  
Ramana K. Madupalli
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
External Locus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Locus Of Control

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of external locus of control on different job characteristic variables – i.e. role conflict, role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion, in addition to the outcome variable, job satisfaction – in a business-to-business sales setting. Design/methodology/approach – Data from B2B salespeople were used to test the proposed model using structural equation modeling. Findings – The results indicate that a more external locus of control will be: positively related to role stress factors; indirectly and positively related to emotional exhaustion; and negatively related to job satisfaction. Originality/value – This study provides a managerially actionable foundation for influencing locus of control to increase a salesperson's satisfaction with his/her position.

Entrepreneurial intention in the time of crisis: a field study

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 835-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Arrighetti ◽  
Luca Caricati ◽  
Fabio Landini ◽  
Nadia Monacelli
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intent ◽  
New Business ◽  
Severe Recession ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of a prolonged economic recession on the entrepreneurial intentions of young people (university students) distinguishing between propensity to start a new business (i.e. degree of interest in entrepreneurship) and perceived likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur (i.e. probability to start a business in the future). Furthermore this study verifies if the recession strengthens the orientation to exploit new market opportunities, or simply supports self-employment objectives. Design/methodology/approach Entrepreneurial intention was measured in terms of propensity to start a new business and perceived likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur. Psychosocial and economic variables were measured as well. Information was gathered through questionnaires distributed in both electronic and paper-and-pencil form to a sample of 3,684 Italian University students enrolled in 12 different faculties. Findings First, this study found that while the perception of the economic crisis as an obstacle to new business creation does not impact on the propensity toward entrepreneurship, it has a negative and highly significant impact on the likelihood to start a business. Second, when a distinction is made between opportunity- and necessity-based types, results show that while for the latter the crisis impacts only on the perceived likelihood to become an entrepreneur, for the former it affects both dimensions of entrepreneurship, i.e., both propensity and perceived likelihood. Moreover, neither family support nor economic institutions are perceived as relevant in sustaining entrepreneurial intentions. On the contrary, the university is considered as a key support entity. Research limitations/implications Reliance on cross-sectional questionnaires instead of an experimental design imposes caution about the causal relationships between predictors and entrepreneurial intent. Originality/value The present paper is one of the few studies concerning the influence of rapid worsening of external economic context (severe recession) on the entrepreneurial intent.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document