Why not now? Intended timing in entrepreneurial intentions

Abstract

Purpose: Understanding the formation of entrepreneurial intentions is critical, given that it is the first step in the entrepreneurial process. Although entrepreneurial intention has been extensively studied, little attention has been paid on the intended timing of future entrepreneurial projects. This paper analyses entrepreneurial intentions among final-year university students after graduation in terms of the timeframe to start a business. Potentially rapid entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-waiting were compared using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Methodology: A variance-based structural equation modelling approach was used for the sample of 851 final-year university students with entrepreneurial intentions who participated in GUESSS project. Findings: The results obtained contribute to the understanding of how entrepreneurial intentions are formed, particularly, how intended timing plays a moderating role in the relationships of the variables of the theoretical model of TPB. This study provides empirical evidence that significant differences exist between potential rapid entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-waiting. Practical implications: The findings of this study have practical implications for entrepreneurship education, and they can help policy makers develop more effective policies and programs to promote entrepreneurship. Originality: Intention-based models have traditionally examined the intent -- but not the timing -- of new venture creation. However, the time elapsed between the formation of the entrepreneurial intent and the identification of a business opportunity can vary considerably. Therefore, analysing the moderating role of intended timing could be relevant to entrepreneurial intention research.