IMPACT OF CREATIVITY ON STUDENT ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION

Objective of the study: This empirical research tests the direct and indirect impact of creativity on entrepreneurial intention, by applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the underpinning framework. Methodology/approach: Quantitative research was conducted through a survey of 703 undergraduate students in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling with Amos version 23 was used to test the theoretical model. Originality/Relevance: Creativity is assumed to be a common characteristic of entrepreneurs and a prerequisite for innovation and entrepreneurship, but the findings on the influence of creativity on entrepreneurship intention are inconsistent in literature. This research uses a mediator effect to explain this inconsistency and focuses on the direct and indirect impact of creativity on entrepreneurship intention in an Asian emerging country. Main results: Analytical results show that creativity has no significant direct effect on entrepreneurial intention. Rather, it has an indirect effect on entrepreneurial intention through three determinants (attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral control). Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study provides empirical evidence to confirm the importance of attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral control, which together fully mediate the impact of creativity on entrepreneurial intention. Social/management contributions: These results have several implications for promoting entrepreneurship in university students.