Predicting Students’ Intentions to Create Green Start-ups: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Approach

Abstract

Start-ups play a fundamental role in the economy and have contributed enormously and effectively to solving economic and social issues. However, despite the significant environmental hazards the world is experiencing, the environmental dimension of its contribution is still significantly low, and the transition to green start-ups is still in its infancy especially in developing countries. The aim of the paper is to identify the factors that influence students’ intentions to create green start-ups. Based on a convenience sample of 248 university students, a multiple regression analysis was performed to test our extended model. The empirical findings show that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), and environmental awareness positively influence the intention to create green start-ups. In addition, the findings demonstrate that students have a low level of environmental awareness. Based on the results, suggestions are provided on how to motivate university graduates to create green start-ups.

Keywords

• eco-friendly behaviour
• environmental awareness
• green entrepreneurship
• sustainability