The Role of Higher Education Faculty in Cultivating Entrepreneurial Intention among Female Sudents

Abstract

This research explores the role of HEIs faculty in motivating female students to participate in entrepreneurial activities in order to develop an entrepreneurial intention. The researchers used explanatory sequential mixed methods design and multi-phase sampling plan was used. The sample was selected from HEC recognized Universities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Total 173 female students studying in social sciences disciplines in the final semester of graduate programs participated in Phase-I (quantitative) and the data was collected using survey questionnaire.  For qualitative data collection, eight female students were selected using purposive sampling technique conducting a face-to-face individualized interview. Descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis was used to draw results from both quantitative and qualitative data evidences. The findings indicate that HEIs arranged different seminars/workshops/entrepreneurial fairs/job fairs to promote entrepreneurial activities for students. However, faculty in HEIs considered such activities irrelevant unless to their respective discipline or program and usually forbid their students to attend such entrepreneurial activities. Faculty of HEIs lack an experience and exposure to guide and motivate their students for entrepreneurship as their prime concern is teaching their courses, hence their role may not be considered influential in motivating and developing entrepreneurial intention among female students. The results of this study may further add to the existing literature about antecedent of entrepreneurial intention in the context of Pakistan.