Fatores de influência na intenção empreendedora de discentes de engenharia de uma universidade federal do Paraná

Abstract

Postmodernity is evidenced by technological innovations and profound structural transformations in the labor market; thus, entrepreneurship emerge as a new professional perspective and a means of income generation. Due to its relevance for economic and social development, entrepreneurship has been a widely discussed topic, especially in the context of Higher Education Institutions, considering their formative role and promotion of innovation. In this regard, this research aims to identify the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intention of engineering students at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR). To achieve this, the variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior, proposed by Ajzen (1991), were analyzed. These variables include: personal attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, in addition to incorporating constructs related to the institutional environment and demographic variables. The methodology of this research is descriptive and quantitative. The study was based on the work of Liñán and Chen (2009) and Lima et al. (2014) to define a psychometric measurement instrument and measure entrepreneurial intention. The survey conducted through a questionnaire resulted in a sample of 97 students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results indicate that, among the demographic variables, only gender has statistical significance, showing that, in general, male students are more inclined toward entrepreneurial activity. It was also revealed that personal attitude and perceived behavioral control influence entrepreneurial intention, with personal attitude being more strongly correlated, indicating that an entrepreneurial career is perceived as favorable by students, who also consider themselves capable of managing their own business despite difficulties. Based on the results, it can be inferred that the Theory of Planned Behavior is an effective for measuring entrepreneurial intention, particularly regarding behavioral factors. However, the institutional environment could be further investigated, as fostering and providing entrepreneurial education benefits both students and society and the economy.