Does Motivation Predict Entrepreneurial Behavior In Youth Samples?

Authors

  • Chidinma Nebo Department of Psychology, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Nigeria Author
  • Ekaete Ufeh Clinical Psychology Department, Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria Author
  • Emmanuel Uye Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66931/jmb-388

Keywords:

motivation, entrepreneurial behavior, youth samples

Abstract

Entrepreneurial behavior has become increasingly vital in addressing economic and unemployment challenges in many parts of Nigeria. While studies have used different predictors on entrepreneurial behavior, however, studies linking motivation directly on entrepreneurial behavior are lacking. Therefore, this study examines the predictive role of motivation on entrepreneurial behavior in youth samples. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted while purposive sampling technique was used to select the study population. Data were conveniently collected from 220 youths using validated questionnaires and analyzed using simple linear regression p < .001 level of significance. The result indicates significant influence of motivation on entrepreneurial behavior, F (1, 218) = 45.90, p < 0.001. Further analysis reveals that motivation independently predicts entrepreneurial behavior (β = .658, p <.001). The study concludes that motivation is a robust predictor of entrepreneurial behavior in study participants. The study concludes that the government and private sector should create entrepreneurial hubs and incubators to motivate youths to engage in entrepreneurial behavior.

References

Adeyeye, M.M., Ikupolati, A.O, & Ndibe, L. (2018). An empirical study on the disparity between small businesses and entrepreneurship in developing economies. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship held on 5-6, March at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC, USA. 8-15.

Amoa-Gyarteng, K., & Dhliwayo, S. (2024). Globalization, entrepreneurial development and unemployment: a mediation analysis in the context of South Africa. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 31(2), 272-297. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-03-2023-0126

Amos, A., & Onifade, C. A. (2013). The perception of students on the need for entrepreneurship education in teacher education programs. Global Journal of Human-Social Science Research, 13(3), 75-80.

Basofitrah, A., Sunaryo, H., & Supriyanto, S. (2022). The Influence of Leadership Style and Organizational Commitment on Work Motivation and Organizational Performance (Case Study on the National Creative Economy Movement DPC (GEKRAFS) Probolinggo Regency). Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 5(3), 20655-20664. https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v5i3.6083

Carsrud, A., & Braaback, M. (2010). Entrepreneurial Motivations: What Do We Still Need to Know? Journal of Small Business Management 49(1):9 – 26 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-627X.2010.00312.x

del Olmo García, F., Crecente Romero, F., Sarabia, M., & del Val, M. T. (2023). Longevity trends in entrepreneurial activity. An analysis of the characteristics of senior entrepreneurship in Spain. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 29(7), 1541-1567. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-06-2022-0547

Ehondor, E. G., Taylor, O., & Uye, E.E. (2024). Personality traits and social support as predictors of entrepreneurship preferences among students in higher institution in Ibadan, Oyo State. Covenant Journal of Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 25-34.

Gielnik, M. M. & Frese, M. (2014). The psychology of entrepreneurship. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology & Organizational Behavior, 1(1), 413–438.

Komninos, D., Dermatis, Z., Anastasiou, A., & Papageorgiou, C. (2024). The role of entrepreneurship in changing the employment rate in the European Union. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(4), 18930-18951. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-01841-z

Lim, W. M., Bansal, S., Kumar, S., Singh, S., & Nangia, P. (2024). Necessity entrepreneurship: a journey from unemployment to self‐employment. Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 43(6), 41-58. https://doi.org/10.1002/joe.22256

Liñán, F., & Chen, Y. W. (2009). Development and cross-cultural application of a specific instrument to measure entrepreneurial interventions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 33(3), 593–617.

McClelland, D. C. (1961). The Achieving Society. Van Nostrand.

Muñoz-Céspedes, E., Ibar-Alonso, R., & Cuerdo-Mir, M. (2024). Individual entrepreneurial behavior and financial literacy. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 20(3), 2263-2285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-023-00936-4

Nieman, N & Nieuwenhuizen, C. (2014). Definition of entrepreneurship. Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth https://doi.org/10.1108/S1048-473620140000024001.42

Okojie, C. E. E., & Shimwaava, L. (2018). Youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and capacity building in Africa. Journal of African Development, 20(2), 67–89.

Omri, H., Omri, A., & Abbassi, A. (2024). Macro-level determinants of entrepreneurial behavior and motivation. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 20(4), 2629-2667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-024-00990-6

Roberts, E.R., Obisesan, F.O., Nebo, C.P., & Uye, E.E. (2026a). Self-efficacy, risk tolerance and motivation as predictors of business venture engagement among youth samples. International Journal of Applied Research & Sustainable Science, 4(2), 99-110. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v4i2.190

Ryan, R.M. & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78 https://doi.org/10.1037110003-066X.55.1.68

Shane, S., Locke, E. A., & Collins, C. J. (2003). Entrepreneurial motivation. Human Resource Management Review, 13(2), 257–279.

Uche, A., & Chinedu, C. (2021). Motivation and youth involvement in SMEs in Nigeria: Implications for economic development. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, 9(2), 45–59.

Downloads

Published

21-05-2026

How to Cite

Nebo, C., Ufeh, E., & Uye, E. (2026). Does Motivation Predict Entrepreneurial Behavior In Youth Samples?. HARAMAIN: Jurnal Manajemen Bisnis, 6(02), 180-189. https://doi.org/10.66931/jmb-388