The Factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions amongst sport management students

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background

Given the size of the sports industry in relation to the global economy, more research is focusing on how to identify entrepreneurial opportunities in sports.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions amongst sport management students at a South African university.

Method

Structured interviews were used to gather information from 10 undergraduate sport management students for the qualitative, explanatory study. Using ATLAS.ti and thematic analyses, the collected data were examined.

Results

The following themes emerged from the study; namely, personality traits, attitudes towards entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perceived university support, perceived structural support, and subjective norms. The results of this study indicate that sport management students have a favourable attitude towards entrepreneurship, which is influenced by their family and friends - and by their own sense of their own ability to succeed in business.

Conclusion

Universities should consider incorporating entrepreneurship into their sport management curriculum design and teaching methods to enhance students' entrepreneurial mindset and self-efficacy.

Contribution

This study contributes to the discussion around developing attitudes and intentions toward entrepreneurship as a livelihood option for sport management students.

Keywords: entrepreneurial intention, sport management, sport entrepreneurship