Entrepreneurial Intentions & Mobility : An Exploratory Study of Chinese Exchange Students at Halmstad University College

Abstract: In order to extend the literature on predicting entrepreneurial intentions this study aims to test a model incorporating cultural, social, and psychological factors. We investigate the factors behind the entrepreneurial (i.e. starting-up their own business) intentions of Chinese Exchange Students (CES) at Halmstad University College, Sweden. We specifically question “to what extent individual (personal) backgrounds, preferences and knowledge/perception of CES about the Swedish industrial/business environment may play a role in their entrepreneurial intentions”. CES share generally similar views on motivations and barriers to entrepreneurship, but with some interesting differences. Further, while cultural and social dimensions explain only a small portion of intentions, psychological self-efficacy (skills, competence) overcoming the local barries are seen as important predictors. The study was restricted to university students. It generated focused conclusions and recommendations which may not be more widely generalizable. Yet the study suggests directions for continued work on the relationship between cultural and psychological factors in entrepreneurship.