The Role of the Environment in the Formation of Women University Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention. The Case of Morocco

Abstract

Despite the rapid expansion of women’s entrepreneurship research there is a dearth of studies exploring the intersection or simultaneity of gender and developing country within the entrepreneurship field. Entrepreneurial environment is central to student entrepreneurship. Previous research has attempted to understand the role of entrepreneurship environment in the formation of women students’ entrepreneurial intention (WEI), albeit in an isolated manner. This study combines a multi-level framework. We have hypothesized two dimensions of macrosocial environment, that is, perceived university support, and perceived institutional support. In addition, perceived social network and subjective norms as the fundamental elements of the microsocial environment affecting the intention to start a business. A sample of 304 women university students from Morocco took part in the study and data were analyzed using PLS. In the context of gendered contextualization, our findings indicated that the context in which Moroccan women operate influences their entrepreneurial intention. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.