Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention among Generation Z Students at the Academy of Policy and Development: The Role of Entrepreneurial Motivation Mediating Variables

Abstract

In the context of Vietnam’s growing emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, this study investigates the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among Generation Z students at the Academy of Policy and Development (APD), with a specific focus on the mediating role of entrepreneurial motivation. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study develops and tests a conceptual framework incorporating key constructs such as attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, entrepreneurial education, and personality traits. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 350 APD students. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the relationships among variables. The findings indicate that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial education exert significant indirect effects on entrepreneurial intention through entrepreneurial motivation. Subjective norms showed a weaker influence. The study confirms the mediating role of entrepreneurial motivation and underscores its centrality in fostering entrepreneurial intention among Generation Z students. Implications for educational institutions and policymakers are discussed, particularly in enhancing entrepreneurship curricula and student support mechanisms.