Entrepreneurial intentions of tourism and hospitality students in Ghana: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of tourism and hospitality (T&H) students in Ghana using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Specifically, the study examined the role of university support on students’ EIs and behaviour within the framework of TPB.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 929 T&H students from six universities in Ghana. Structural equation modelling using AMOS was used to test the stated hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that perceived university support (PUS) played a key role in influencing students’ attitudes, subjective norms and behavioural controls towards their EIs. Furthermore, the EI of T&H students was also found to have influenced students’ entrepreneurial behaviours (EBs). All seven hypotheses were significant.

Research limitations/implications

To increase the entrepreneurial drive of T&H students, universities and T&H educators need to provide support through strengthening experiential learning activities (guest speaker series, mentorship sessions, practicals and internships) to provide an avenue for students to be trained on risk management and failure recovery skills, develop positive attitudes and behaviours and learn from experts. Policymakers should also enact favourable laws to regulate business practices.

Originality/value

This is likely the first paper to address the issue of PUS for entrepreneurship amongst T&H students in the context of a developing country. Specifically, it addresses the role of universities and T&H educators in supporting T&H students to be entrepreneurs.

Citation

Sedegah, D.D., Nutsugbodo, R.Y., Arthur-Amissah, A., Wireko-Gyebi, S., Duodu, G.A., Bempong, V.E.K., Ankor, P., Afful, B.E.B. and Tuffour, M. (2024), "Entrepreneurial intentions of tourism and hospitality students in Ghana: an application of the theory of planned behaviour", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 724-741. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-08-2023-0348