The Effect of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation on Entrepreneurial Intention Among University Students

This study aims to evaluate the impact of individual entrepreneurial orientation on the entrepreneurial intention of Algerian university students. Specifically, it focuses on three dimensions of individual entrepreneurial orientation: risk-taking, innovativeness, and proactiveness. To achieve the main purpose of the study and test its hypotheses, the researchers employed a descriptive-analytical method, and a survey was conducted using a questionnaire on a sample of 333 second-year master’s students at the Faculty of Economics, Commercial and Management Sciences in Jijel University. The questionnaire consists of 15 statements: 3 – regarding risk-taking, 3 – innovativeness, 3 –proactiveness, and 6 – individual entrepreneurial orientation. The opinions of the sample (students) were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was applied to test the reliability of the study instrument. To test internal consistency, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to measure the correlation between each questionnaire item and the dimension to which it belongs. Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and the Durbin-Watson test were also relied upon to ensure the independence of the independent variables and the absence of multiple linear correlation or autocorrelation between the residuals. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables to test the study hypotheses accurately. The predictive capacity of the regression model is confirmed by the results of the ANOVA regression analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS, version 28. The findings indicate that both risk-taking and proactiveness have a direct and positive influence on entrepreneurial intention. However, innovativeness does not demonstrate any statistically significant effect on entrepreneurial intention. In light of the obtained results, a set of recommendations meant to foster the individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial intention of university students was proposed.