Understanding role Models and Gender Influences on Entrepreneurial Intentions Among College Students

Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the present study explores the effects of gender and role models on entrepreneurial intention. Data was collected by questionnaire from a sample of 331 Iranian college students. Consistent with the theory, results indicated that entrepreneurial role models indirectly influenced entrepreneurial intention through its antecedents in the TPB. The study found no gender differences in the relationship between perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention. However, gender affected the other relationships in the TPB, such that attitude towards entrepreneurship was a weaker, and subjective norm a stronger predictor of entrepreneurial intention for female students than for male.