Students' perception of learning from entrepreneurship education programs and entrepreneurial intention in Latin America

Abstract

Purpose Drawing on entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention literature, this paper develops and tests a model that aims to explain the relationship between students' perception of learning from entrepreneurship education programs (EEP), the theory of planned behavior and entrepreneurial intention across Latin American countries. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data from the Global University Entrepreneurship Spirit Student’s Survey (GUESSS) project 2018 for 11 Latin American countries. Structural equation modeling is used to validate the theoretical model; this offers advantages over traditional multivariate techniques in evaluating measurement errors, estimation of latent variables and specification of models. Findings The main results suggest that a positive perception of learning from EEP is related to the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, attitude toward entrepreneurial behavior and perceived behavior control positively influences entrepreneurial intention across Latin American undergraduate students. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of EEP in terms of the antecedents of the intention and, in addition, provide evidence to the theory of planned behavior from a large sample in an emerging region. Originality/value The theory of planned behavior is one of the most important theoretical frameworks to explain entrepreneurial intention. However, in Latin American countries, quality research is hindered by the lack of data and valid measures. Therefore, the paper adds value by looking at the perception of learning from EEP and its relationship with the antecedents of intention. Likewise, it validates the dimensions of the theory of planned behavior and its relationship to entrepreneurial intention, considering a broad sample of university students in Latin America.