The role of entrepreneurial knowledge as a competence in shaping Iranian students’ career intentions to start a new digital business

Abstract

Purpose This purpose of this paper, drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), is to develop an integrated model of entrepreneurial career intentions incorporating the role of motivational factors along with entrepreneurial knowledge. Specifically, this study proposes the existence of a relationship between entrepreneurial knowledge and digital entrepreneurial intentions and asserts that this relation is mediated by the motivational factors. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a sample of 150 computer sciences students from four public Iranian universities using a questionnaire. Findings Results indicated that the two motivational factors (namely, attitudes towards digital entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control) significantly relate to digital entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, entrepreneurial knowledge indicates indirect effects on intentions via these two motivational factors. Practical implications The results of this study have clear implications for both educators and policymakers. Originality/value The study helps to understand the role of entrepreneurial knowledge in shaping digital entrepreneurial intentions through developing an integrated intention model based on the TPB. The results also indicate that the TPB fully accounts for the indirect effects of entrepreneurial knowledge.