Cultivating entrepreneurial culture among students in Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the article is to examine the factors influencing the cultivation of entrepreneurship culture among private higher education institutions in Malaysia.

Research Design & Methods: A sample of 300 students from private higher education institutions in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, was selected using a convenient sampling technique. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling via AMOS, 22.0.

Findings: The result of the study indicates that empowerment is the only factor that has a positive and significant effect on cultivating entrepreneurial culture. We found that all other factors have no significant effect on cultivating entrepreneurial culture in the studied context.

Implications & Recommendations: This study will enable education institutions to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among their students by focusing on empowering the students to carry out their tasks. This study recommends empowering students in their learning to promote entrepreneurial culture through the curriculum, assessment designs, and industrial engagement.

Contribution & Value Added: This study contributes to the existing literature on promoting entrepreneurial culture among students by establishing the key determinants of entrepreneurial culture through risk-taking behaviour, innovation, creativity, and empowerment. One of the unique aspects of this research is that these four factors are studied together and tested based on what academic institutions in Malaysia do to cultivate entrepreneurial culture among the students.

Keywords

entrepreneurial culture; creativity; risk-taking behaviour; empowerment; innovation

Author Biography

Zubair Hassan

PhD Scholar in Business Administration (2020, International Islamic University, Malaysia); Master’s in Public Policy and Management (2009, Monash University, Australia); Bachelor of Business Administration (2005, Northumbria University, the United Kingdom). His research interests include organisational behaviour, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, teaching methods, and strategy.

Correspondence to: Zubair Hassan (PhS Scholar), Head of Department, IUMW Business School

International University of Malaya-Wales, Level 2, Block A, City Campus, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, e-mail: Zubai7@gmail.com

Muneeb Khan Lashari

Master’s in Business Administration (2017, Anglia Ruskin University, UK); Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance (2016, Anglia Ruskin University, UK). His research interests include mergers and acquisitions, finances, and entrepreneurship.

Correspondence to: Muneeb-Khan Lashari (MBA graduate), PG alumnae, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. Email: Muneeblashari92@gmail.com

Abdul Basit

PhD Scholar in Business (2020, International University of Malaya-Wales, Malaysia); Master’s in Business Administration (2017, Anglia Ruskin University, UK); Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance (2016, Anglia Ruskin University, UK). His research interests include capital structure, finance marketing and branding, leadership, and customer perceived values.

Correspondence to: Abdul Basit (PhD Scholar), Member of Teaching, Learning and Research committee, IUMW Business School, International University of Malaya-Wales, Level 2, Block A, City Campus, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: abdulbasit9037@gmail.com