Assessing entrepreneurial intention among tourism and hospitality graduates: the mediating role of attitude and self-efficacy

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays an underlying key catalyst for local economic growth and success. Most of the research on entrepreneurial intention has been conducted in countries with an advanced stage of economic development. However, very little focus is given to developing countries, especially among young graduates. Therefore, this research examined the link between entrepreneurship education, knowledge, passion, attitude, self-efficacy, and intention among tourism and hospitality graduates in Malaysia. A total of 300 graduates from tourism and hospitality programmes throughout the country were approached to fill in the online questionnaires. With a response rate of 75%, a total of 225 data were usable for further analysis. Structural equation modelling was performed using Smart-PLS. The findings suggest that entrepreneurial education, knowledge, and passion have significant effects on attitude, self-efficacy, and intention. Additionally, the attitude was found to intercede in the relationship between education, knowledge, passion, and intention.