Dr Yusmazida Mohd Yusoff

Conceptual Paper: Nurturing Social Entrepreneurs : The Role of Entrepreneurship Competence in Youth Development

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) among university students, particularly examining the role of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurship competence. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this research investigates how each of these factors contributes to shaping the desire to engage in social entrepreneurship. By focusing on students exposed to social entrepreneurship incubators, the study highlights how a supportive ecosystem can cultivate the necessary competencies and motivations to initiate socially driven ventures. Attitudes toward social vision, sustainability, social networks, and financial return are considered, reflecting the multifaceted motivations that drive social entrepreneurs.

The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from students registered with Syarikat Siswa Universiti (SSU) at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Findings suggest that entrepreneurship competence significantly enhances SEI, mediated by positive attitudes toward social goals. Additionally, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are shown to strengthen the intention to pursue social entrepreneurship, underscoring the influence of social support and self-efficacy in this field. This study offers insights for policymakers and educational institutions aiming to foster youth social entrepreneurship, providing guidance on how targeted programs can develop the skills and motivations needed for students to address societal challenges through innovative business models.