EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF GOMBE STATE POLYTECHNIC, BAJOGA

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of psychological factors (Self-efficacy, risk-taking propensity, locus of control, innovation and need for achievement) on entrepreneurial intention among final year students of Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga. A few 205 final year students of Gombe state polytechnic, Bajoga were chosen using simple random sampling and the data were analysed with use of descriptive and inferential statistical method. The descriptive analysis was used to analyse the demographic data of the respondents. From the inferential results, correlation analysis showed that all psychological factors; self-efficacy, risk taking propensity, locus of control, innovation and need for achievement were correlated with entrepreneurial intention. While result of the simple regression indicates that only locus of control and need for achievement have significant effect on entrepreneurial intention, while self-efficacy, risk taking propensity and innovation do not have effect on entrepreneurial intention. A major finding of the study shows that entrepreneurial intention of graduating students from polytechnics is not adequately influenced by psychosocial factors further actions are still needed from the institutions, regulatory authorities, and government. Finally, the study concludes that government should create more research institutes and designated certain Polytechnics for research and development around entrepreneurship development.