Factors Affecting Start-up Intention of Economics Students in the South of Vietnam

This study developed and tested different factors affecting startup intention of Southern economics students. These factors include reference group, perceived risk, inspiration, fundraising method, family background and business passion. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were utilized in this study. Qualitative research was first carried out with in-depth interviews, conducted to derive measurement items for the constructs interested. Quantitative research with cross-sectional research design was developed by a pilot study and an official one. The model was tested and developed using data collected by a questionnaire from a sample of 496 respondents by both electronic and paper surveys with non-probability and convenience sampling techniques. SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 software were employed to analyze the data collected. The results of structural equation modeling showed that reference group, perceived risk, inspiration, fundraising method, family foundation and passion influenced the intermediate variables: attitude, confidence and affected behavioral intention to start-up. The findings provide government, universities, and institutions with information, which assists the process of researching and carrying out appropriate promote start-up strategies.