AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTORS AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S ENTREPRENEURIAL INCLINATION: THE CASE OF SELECTED AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 69 - 86, 01.06.2017

Jacques De Jongh Natanya Meyer

Öz

Entrepreneurship has been pointed out as a key driver of economic growth and
development by academia, policymakers, and government institutions alike.
Globally, youth unemployment figures are alarmingly high and entrepreneurship,
especially among the youth, plays an important role in generating employment
among this cohort. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting
the entrepreneurial inclination of employed and unemployed young people between
the ages of 18 and 35 years. Measurement on the factors made use of a tested and
validated entrepreneurial intention scale. Primary data were collected through the
use of questionnaires. The sample was almost evenly split between employed
(n=176) and unemployed (n=163) participants. Data were analysed through the use
of a principal component analysis (PCA), descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
The findings of the study revealed that participants perceived the lack of the
necessary entrepreneurial skills, difficulties in acquiring the necessary funding as
well as insufficient support towards starting a business as the most important
aspects deterring their entrepreneurial inclination. Chi-square tests further
showcased significant differences in the perceptions of the employed and
unemployed participants regarding the lack of market opportunities and the
associated risk in starting a business. The results as presented in the study provide
valuable insights to the areas of concern as well as recommendations towards
reducing the obstacles for the youths’ entrepreneurial involvement.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Youth, entrepreneur, entrepreneurial intent, factors, South Africa