Self-Efficacy, Risk Tolerance and Motivation as Predictors of Business Venture Engagements Among Youth Samples

Authors

  • Enyelunekpo R. Roberts Rivers State University
  • Francis O. Obisesan Edwin Clark University
  • Chidinma P. Nebo Rivers State University
  • Emmanuel E. Uye University of Ibadan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v4i2.190

Keywords:

Self-Efficacy, Risk Tolerance, Motivation, Business Venture Engagements, Youth Samples

Abstract

Business venture engagements have become an important means to reduce unemployment among youths. Factors predicting business venture engagements have been investigated with varied results. Therefore, this study examines the predictive roles of self-efficacy, risk tolerance, and motivation on business venture engagements among youth samples. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted, while purposive sampling technique was used to select Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 220 participants using validated questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression analysis to test one hypothesis that was accepted at p < .001 level of significance. The result indicated that self-efficacy, risk tolerance, and motivation jointly predicted business venture engagements among study participants, R² = .491, F (3, 216) = 50.96, p < 0.001. Importantly, self-efficacy (β = .312, p < .001), risk tolerance (β = .324, p < .001), and motivation (β = .348, p < .001) independently predicted business venture engagements among study participants. The study concludes that self-efficacy, risk tolerance, and motivation are robust predictors of business venture engagements among youth samples. The study recommends that multiple stakeholders should design and implement policies that incorporate self-efficacy, risk tolerance, and motivation to open up youths to embrace business venture engagements for self-employment.

References

Asravor, R. K., & Acheampong, V. (2021). Factors influencing risk attitudes of entrepreneurs in Ghana: The role of gender. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 36(1), 29–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/08276331.2021.1980838

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Boyd, N. G., & Vozikis, G. S. (1994). The influence of self-efficacy on the development of entrepreneurial intentions and actions. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 18(4), 63–77.

Brockhaus, R. H. (1980). Risk-taking propensity of entrepreneurs. Academy of Management Journal, 23(3), 509–520.

Chen, C. C., Greene, P. G., & Crick, A. (1998). Does entrepreneurial self-efficacy distinguish entrepreneurs from managers? Journal of Business Venturing, 13(4), 295–316.

Ehondor, E. G., Taylor, O., & Uye, E.E. (2024). Personality traits and social support as predictors of entrepreneurship preferences among students in higher institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State. Covenant Journal of Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 25-34.

Ekechukwu, R. O. (2019). Self-efficacy and parenting styles as correlates of social anxiety disorder among secondary school adolescents in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 5(12). https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.512.5958

Frese, M., & Gielnik, M. M. (2014). The psychology of entrepreneurship. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology & Organizational Behavior, 1(1), 413–438.

Ilevbare, F. M., Ilevbare, O. E., Adelowo, C. M., & Oshorenua, F. P. (2022). Social support and risk-taking propensity as predictors of entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates in Nigeria. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 16(2), 90–107. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJIE-02-2022-0010

Krueger, N.F., Reilly, M.D., & Carsrud, A.L. (2000). Competing models of entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Business Venturing, 15(5-6), 91-104.

Liñán, F., & Chen, Y. W. (2009). Development and cross-cultural application of a specific instrument to measure entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 33(3), 593–617.

Markman, G. D., Baron, R. A., & Balkin, D. B. (2005). Are perseverance and self-efficacy costless? Assessing entrepreneurs' regretful thinking. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(1), 1–19.

Oguegbe, T. O., Anyikwa, B. E., & Ugwu, L. I. (2018). The influence of risk propensity and gender on entrepreneurial intention among university students in Nigeria. Psychology & Behavioral Science International Journal, 8(4), 1–6.

Okojie, C. E. E., & Shimwaava, L. (2018). Youth unemployment, entrepreneurship and capacity building in Africa. Journal of African Development, 20(2), 67–89.

Omolawal, S. A. (2023). Social and economic determinants of business risk-taking propensity among entrepreneurs of small and medium scale enterprises in Akoko Region, Ondo State, Nigeria. Journal of Applied & Theoretical Social Sciences, 5(2), 217–233. https://doi.org/10.37241/jatss.2023.90

Rauch, A., & Frese, M. (2007). Let's put the person back into entrepreneurship research: A meta-analysis on the relationship between business owners’ personality traits, business creation, and success. European Journal of Work &Organizational Psychology, 16(4), 353–385.

Rauch, A., & Frese, M. (2007). Let's put the person back into entrepreneurship research: A meta-analysis on the relationship between business owners' personality traits, business creation, and success. European Journal of Work &Organizational Psychology, 16(4), 353–385.

Roberts, E. R., Uye, E. E., Stephen, G., & Olapegba, P.O. (2023). Role model and self-efficacy as predictors of entrepreneurial intention among university students. Covenant Journal of Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 1-15.

Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2000). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25(1), 217–226.

Shapero, A. and Sokol, L. (1982). Social dimensions of entrepreneurship. In C.A. Kent, D.L. Sexton, & K.H. Vesper (Eds.), The encyclopedia of entrepreneurship (pp.72-90). Prentice-Hall

Uche, A., & Chinedu, C. (2021). Motivation and youth involvement in SMEs in Nigeria: Implications for Economic Development. Journal of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development, 9(2), 45–59.

Urban, B. (2006). Entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a multicultural society: Measures and ethnic differences. South African Journal of Industrial Psychology, 32(1), 2–10.

Yusuff, O. S., & Olagunju, Y. A. (2020). Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and youth entrepreneurial intention in Nigeria. Journal of Economics & Behavioral Studies, 12(3), 23–31.

Published

2026-03-01