Gender role identity and entrepreneurial intentions: a study with university students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of gender role identity with the precursors (antecedents) of entrepreneurial intentions by empirically validating the relationship between gender role identity and entrepreneurial intentions. The theoretical frameworks used in the study are the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Social Role Theory (SRT) (Ajzen, 1991; Eagly,1987). The study investigates the mediating role of the constructs of TPB- attitude towards behavior (ATB), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and subjective social norms (SSN) in the relationship between gender role identity (GRI) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI). A survey was conducted with 149 undergraduate and graduate students of all departments from the Memorial University of Newfoundland located in St John’s city in Newfoundland and Labrador province, Canada. Results suggest that gender role identity is indirectly associated with entrepreneurial intentions through subjective social norms and attitude towards behavior and also through subjective social norms and perceived behavioral control. Findings also show that higher the level of femininity, lower are the subjective social norms. This study makes a significant contribution by investigating a conceptual model of gender role identity and entrepreneurial intentions. Limitations, future directions, and conclusion have been outlined.