A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION
AMONG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOPRENEURS
RAMESH K S @ MOHD ZAIDI BIN ABD ROZAN
Presented as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of
Master Of Science
(Information Technology)
MSc. IT
FACULTY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION SYSTEM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
OCTOBER 2001
ii
“I hereby declare that this writing is the result of my own efforts with the
exceptions of the quotation and summary, each of which source has been
stated”
Signature
:
Name of Author
:
Ramesh K S @ Mohd Zaidi Bin Abd Rozan
Date
:
18th October 2001
PSZ19:16(Pind.1/97)
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS TESIS◆
JUDUL :
A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNOPRENEURS
SESI PENGAJIAN : 2001/2002
Saya
RAMESH K S @ MOHD ZAIDI BIN ABD ROZAN
Mengaku membenarkan tesis (PSM/Sarjana/Doktor Falsafah)* ini disimpan di Perpustakaan
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut :1.
2.
3.
4.
Tesis adalah hakmilik Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Perpustakaan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia dibenarkan membuat salinan untuk tujuan
pengajian sahaja.
Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan tesis ini sebagai bahan pertukaran antara institusi
pengajian tinggi.
**Sila tandakan (√ )
√
SULIT
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan
atau kepentingan Malaysia seperti yang termaktub di
dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
TERHAD
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah
ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan
dijalankan)
TIDAK TERHAD
Disahkan oleh
(TANDATANGAN PENULIS)
(TANDATANGAN PENYELIA)
Alamat Tetap :
C/O JUANITA GOH
PETI SURAT 17, JKR,
PROF. DR. AHMAD ZAKI BIN ABU BAKAR
KOTA BELUD, SABAH
Tarikh : 18 OKTOBER 2001
CATATAN
:
*
**
◆
Nama Penyelia
Tarikh :
18 OKTOBER 2001
Potong yang tidak berkenaan
Jika tesis ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi
berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh tesis ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai
SULIT atau TERHAD
Tesis dimaksudkan sebagai tesis bagi Ijazah Doktor Falsafah dan Sarjana secara
penyelidikan, atau disertasi bagi pengajian secara kerja kursus dan penyelidikan, atau
Laporan Projek Sarjana Muda (PSM)
iv
DEDICATION
SPECIALLY DEDICATED FOR:
My Wife
Wan Jamilah Binti Wan Omar,
For the Love, Support, Passion and
Through the Moments of Up and Down Together,
My Mom
Juanita Goh Shiu Moi,
For the Sacrifices and Kindness,
My Brother
Mohd Fadzli Bin Abd Rozan,
For Support and Assistance,
My Mother-in-law
Lijah Binti Ibrahim,
My Brother-In-Law
Ghazali Bin Muda
And Family,
For being Very Understanding and Helpful,
Relatives in
Sabah
and
Terengganu,
Thanks a Million…
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Bismillahhirrahmannirrahim… Any major literary or research endeavour is
unlikely to be successfully completed without substantial help from others. This
study and the process leading up to it was certainly no exception. Firstly, Allah the
almighty has given me the consent to complete this study by giving me health,
energy and confidence. The past 2-½ years has been a very challenging but pleasant
momento to be kept in heart and mind.
I would like to thank my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Zaki bin Abu Bakar
for the assistance and uncountable details during those tough and challenging
episode.
Prof. Madya Dr. Rose Alinda binti Alias for the motivation and confidence
building and Prof. Madya Dr. Mat Noor Bin Sap for the careful assistance. To our
Project Coordinator, Prof. Madya. Dr Noraniah, thank you for your advice.
Puan Rashidah and Puan Lijah of FSKSM, UTM, JOHOR for the kind
assistance.
I also like to express my appreciation to all the IT Technopreneur who
contributed their time. My best friend Tn. Haji Hashim bin Hj Yusoff, En.Mohd
Zakree bin Ahmad Nazri, En. Yahaya bin Abd Rahim and to those who have
involved either directly or indirectly.
Thank you to Pn. Hajah Rahmah Bt. Muhamad, the Principal of SMK Seri
Perling and to all SMKSP staffs for being supportive during my studies.
Lastly, Thank you to everyone.
vi
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study is to investigate entrepreneurial intention among
information technology technopreneurs. The model of the study is based on
Shapero’s model of entrepreneurial event. Variables included in this model are
Perceived Desirability, Propensity for Proactive Behaviour and Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience that contributed towards
entrepreneurial intentions for technopreneurs. The differences in values and cultures
were believed to affect their entrepreneurial behaviour and intention. These served as
a building block on the upbringing of an entrepreneur. Hence, a test was needed to
prove this relationship. In this project, tests to compare entrepreneurial intention
between three major ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malays, Chinese and Indians) were
done. Self-report questionnaires were used as a survey instrument for 129
Information Technology Technopreneurs from Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. The
data were analyzed using custom developed software. The results indicated that
perceived desirability and propensity for proactive behavior were positively related
to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, positiveness of past
entrepreneurial experiences also supported positively to the perceived desirability of
starting a business. It was also found that there were no significant differences on the
perception of IT Technopreneurs’ towards Propensity for Proactive Behaviour and
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race. Only
Perceived Desirability showed significant values in relation to Race. Based on this
study, it showed that a specific way to view entrepreneurial intention towards starting
a business and the exposure to technopreneurship assessment were the practical
implications which assisted entrepreneurs’ educators to develop IT techopreneurial
programs and decision making among venture capitalists.
vii
ABSTRAK
Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menyiasat niat keusahawanan di kalangan
teknousahawan teknologi maklumat. Model kajian yang digunakan adalah
berasaskan “Model of Entrepreneurial Event” Shapero. Model ini mempunyai
beberapa pembolehubah iaitu Keinginan Tanggapan, Kecenderungan ke arah
Perilaku Proaktif dan Kualiti serta Kuantiti Pengalaman Keusahawanan yang
memberi petunjuk ke atas niat keusahawanan bagi teknousahawan. Perbezaan nilai
dan budaya sesuatu ras dipercayai memberi kesan kepada perilaku serta niat
keusahawanan mereka. Oleh itu, ujian perlu dijalankan untuk mengkaji sama ada
hubungan ini benar-benar memberi kesan atau tidak. Dalam projek ini, kajian
dijalankan berkaitan dengan niat keusahawanan, untuk mendapatkan perbandingan
antara kumpulan etnik utama Malaysia (Melayu, Cina dan India). Bagi tujuan itu,
survey telah dijalankan ke atas 129 teknousahawan teknologi maklumat dari Johor
Bahru dan Kuala Lumpur. Sebuah perisian yang dibina dalam projek ini telah
digunakan untuk menganalisis hasil kajian. Keputusan kajian mendapati bahawa
terdapat persekutuan yang positif antara Keinginan Tanggapan dan Kecenderungan
ke arah Perilaku Proaktif ke atas Pembentukan Niat Keusahawanan. Kajian ini juga
mendapati bahawa, Kualiti Pengalaman Keusahawanan juga bersekutu secara positif
terhadap Keinginan Tanggapan untuk memulakan sesuatu perniagaan. Tidak terdapat
perbezaan yang ketara antara tanggapan teknousahawan IT terhadap Kecenderungan
ke arah Perilaku Proaktif dan Kuantiti dan Kualiti Pengalaman Keusahawanan
terhadap Kaum. Hanya Keinginan Tanggapan sahaja mempunyai perbezaan ketara
terhadap Kaum. Berdasarkan kajian ini, suatu atur cara khusus untuk melihat niat
teknousahawan untuk memulakan sesuatu perniagaan serta pendedahan kepada
keteknousahawanan boleh diaturcarakan bagi membantu para penggubal program
keusahawanan teknologi maklumat dan pemodal teroka membuat keputusan.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT
PAGE NUMBER
DECLARATION
ii
ACCEPTANCE
iii
DEDICATION
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
v
ABSTRACT
vi
ABSTRAK
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
viii-xi
LIST OF TABLES
xii-xiii
LIST OF FIGURES
xiv
LIST OF APPENDIXES
xv
CHAPTER
I
PAGE NUMBER
INTRODUCTION
1
1.0 Introduction
1
1.1 Entrepreneurs & Information Technology
Technopreneurs
3
1.2 Statement of Problem
9
1.3 Objectives of Study
10
1.4 Theoretical Framework
11
1.5 Hypothesis of this Study
14
1.6 Scope of Study
15
1.7 Significance of Study
16
1.8 Definition of Terms
18
1.9 Chapter Summary
21
ix
II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
23
2.0 Introduction
23
2.1 Malaysian Inter-Cultural Society
28
2.2 Common Cultural Values of Malaysian
30
2.3 Shapero’s Model of Entrepreneurial Event
35
2.4 Research Model and Hypothesis
37
2.4.1
Perceived Desirability and
Entrepreneurial Intentions
2.4.2
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experiences
2.4.3
2.4.4
III
38
40
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
and Entrepreneurial Intentions
41
Race (Ethnic Group)
44
2.5 Chapter Summary
44
METHODOLOGY
46
3.0 Introduction
46
3.1 Design and Reliability of Questionnaire
47
3.2 Respondents
48
3.3 Procedures
49
3.4 Measurement of Instruments
50
3.4.1
Entrepreneurial Intentions
50
3.4.2
Perceived Desirability
50
3.4.3
Breadth and Positiveness of Past
x
IV
Entrepreneurial Experience
51
3.4.4
Propensity for Proactive Behavior
52
3.4.5
Demographic Data
53
3.6 Chapter Summary
54
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
55
4.0 Introduction
55
4.1 Descriptive Survey
(i) Background of Respondents
57
(ii) Subject Descriptive Analysis
62
(iii) Level Analysis
67
4.2 Inferential Analysis
(i) Correlation
69
Hypothesis 1
70
Hypothesis 2
71
Hypothesis 3
72
(i) Comparison
Hypothesis 4
73
Hypothesis 5
65
Hypothesis 6
75
4.3 Chapter Summary
V
77
DISCUSSION
5.0 Introduction
79
5.1 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 1
79
xi
5.2 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 2
81
5.3 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 3
81
5.4 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 4
84
5.5 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 5
85
5.6 Hypothesized Relationships-Hypothesis 6
85
5.7 Implications of the Study
86
5.8 Theoretical Implications
87
5.9 Practical Implications
89
5.10 Limitations of the Study
91
5.11 Direction for Future Research
92
5.12 Chapter Summary
95
REFERENCES
97
APPENDIX A -Cover Letter
101
APPENDIX B -Questionnaire
102
xii
LIST OF TABLES
Table No.
Title
Page No.
2.1
List of Malaysian Ethnic Values
29
2.2
Common Value Orientations at Inter-Cultural Levels
33
3.1
Reliability Test Results Analysis
48
4.1
Respondents by Location
57
4.2
Respondents by Gender (Sex)
58
4.3
Respondents by Race
59
4.4
Respondents by Age Group
60
4.5
Respondents by Level of Education
61
4.6
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered every
Item in Section 1 –Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
4.7
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered every
Item in Section 2-Perceived Desirability
4.8a
62
64
The Numbers and Percentage of Respondents Answered every
Item in Section 3- Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience
4.8b
65
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered every
Item in Section 3- Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience (Degree of Positiveness)
4.9
66
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered in Section 4Percentage of Entrepreneurial Intention
67
xiii
4.10
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards Propensity for Proactive
Behaviour
4.11
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards
Perceived Desirability
4.12
73
LSD test Analysis for comparison of respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race
4.18
72
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA as a comparison of
respondents’ perception towards Perceived Desirability related to Race
4.17
71
Correlation Analysis between Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
and Entrepreneurial Intentions
4.16
70
Correlation Analysis between Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience towards Perceived Desirability
4.15
69
Correlation Analysis between Perceived Desirability and Entrepreneurial
Intentions
4.14
68
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards Positiveness of
Past Entrepreneurial Experience
4.13
68
74
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA as a comparison of
respondents’ perception towards Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race
4.19
75
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA as a comparison of
respondents’ perception towards Propensity for Proactive Behaviour related
to Race
5.1
5.2
76
Summary for comparison of respondents’ perception towards Perceived
Desirability related to Race
84
Summary of Hypotheses Tested
86
xiv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1
Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event as a Theoretical
Framework for this study
Figure 1.2
11
Combination of Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event and
Race (Ethnic Group) Path Hypothesis
12
Figure 2.1
A Model of Culture and Ethical Behaviors Among Entrepreneurs 24
Figure 2.2
Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event and Race (Ethnic
Group)
27
Figure 2.3
Relating the Malaysian Inter Cultural Society
33
Figure 2.4
Shapero’s (1982) Model of the Entrepreneurial Event and Race
(Ethnic Group) Path Hypothesis
39
Figure 4.1
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Location
57
Figure 4.2
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Gender (Sex)
58
Figure 4.3
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Race
59
Figure 4.4
Bar Chart represents Respondents by Age Group
60
Figure 4.5
Bar Chart represents Respondents by Level of Education
61
Figure 5.1
Shapero’s(1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event with Hypothesis
And Correlation Magnitude for Hypothesis 1 through 3
Figure 5.2
80
Shapero’s(1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event with ‘f’ value based
on ANOVA for Hypothesis 4 through 6
83
xv
LIST OF APPENDIXES
Cover Letter sent to Respondents
APPENDIX A
IT Technopreneurial Questionnaire
APPENDIX B
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.0
Introduction
The need to understand entrepreneurs has become more crucial today. In
Malaysia, private sectors, especially entrepreneurs are the catalyst of the nation’s
economic development. In the Malaysian Seventh Plan, strategic sectors such as
infrastructure, utility, transportation and information technology were better known
to be developed and targeted by entrepreneurs (Zainab Ahmad, et al., 1997).
Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) has identified strategic thrust
areas to be funded under Eight Malaysia Plan, including the second flagship
applications, development of technopreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs)(Dr Mohamed Arif Nun, 2001-Computimes).
With the advent and proliferation of the computer, creation of new
knowledge has increased geometrically. It is generally recognized as recently as only
the past decade. Technologies invented to simplify our lives have made it more
complex by accelerating the change and amplifying the effects upon society. This
complexity contributes towards the development of technology knowledge society.
This tremendous increment of technology knowledge society has contributed to the
development of Information Technology (IT) markets locally and globally. This IT
2
markets are now the medium of enterprise for Information Technology oriented
entrepreneur. IT entrepreneur in Malaysia are also known as IT Technopreneur
(derived from the word “technology entrepreneur”) will be interchangeably used
with the word entrepreneur in order to relate that technopreneurship are the subset of
entrepreneurship. This is for the purpose of continuity in this writing.
The level of industrialization obviously influences the entrepreneurial
behaviour in an enterprise and on society. This can be seen in the changes that have
taken place in Malaysia as it had developed. If we look back a few decades ago, the
major economic activities are mining, agriculture, and then come to industry. As
Malaysia developed, it has moved into the production of more high technology,
consumer electronics, and mostly towards Information Technology. As for
Malaysian IT Technopreneur, of necessity, must be internally innovative and able to
adjust to rapid technological changes. Malaysian entrepreneurs must be capable of
accommodating themselves in this fast paced environment. They must also stay
afloat in their enterprise in order to get the highest achievement as entrepreneurs.
Compared with Western counterparts, they appear to be strong work ethics,
self-discipline, and acceptance of hierarchy, obedience and respect towards the
enterprise. Although Malaysian is made up of three major ethnic and indigenous
groups, most entrepreneurs admit that they achieve comfortable level as business
owners. Most enterprise has heterogeneous mix of ethnic groups to form their
enterprise as employees. This three major ethnic group; Malays, Chinese and Indians
definitely have different upbringing and values among them. What makes their
enterprise successfully brought up and well managed although they have different
culture? Moreover, do they have some similarity in their entrepreneurial behaviour
although they came from different cultural environments? The similarity also known
3
as common culture contributes the entrepreneurial behaviour among Malaysian
entrepreneur.
Sekaran (1970) indicates that while research has yet to clarify and
conceptualize the concept of “culture”, the beliefs exist that culture has an impact on
organizations because of cultural norms, values, and roles are embedded in the way
that organizations develop, organizational structures emerge, and informal and
formal patterns of behaviour occur.
The aim of this study is therefore to better understand the intention to launch
a business as a physical firmness within the differences of values among IT
Technopreneurship that are consist of the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia. It is
based on research in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, Johor, which was conducted
between May 2001 and August 2001.
1.1
Entrepreneurs & Information Technology Technopreneurs
We need to further understand more on the definition of entrepreneur.
According to Kao (1995), the entrepreneur is a person who undertakes a wealthcreating and value-adding process, through incubating ideas, assembling resources
and making things happen. Entrepreneurs must also function in a framework within
the environment, and must act in their interest and the interest of the society (Kao,
1995). There are not many people who can deny that we must create wealth and add
value. The wealth creating and value-adding responsibility is not just for
businessperson, but also for every single individual on earth. The enterprising culture
in Malaysia is the commitment of the individual to the continuing pursuit of
opportunities and developing an entrepreneurial endeavor to its growth potentials for
4
the purpose of creating wealth for the individual and adding value to the society. This
comes up the importance of entrepreneurship as a contribution to social
responsibilities. The common cultural relation among the three major ethnic groups
contributes as a special and unique framework within the environment. This indeed
has proven that cultural environment plays an important part in entrepreneurial
behaviour.
IT Technopreneurs must have the understanding that can develop enterprise
practices and development programmes that are aligned and in harmony with the
values that Malaysians have been “programmed” to internalize during the process of
seeding and growing up in Malaysian cultures. In Malaysian context, an entrepreneur
or a corporate entity is not only established to achieve a specific task and make
profit, but also demonstrate a sense of social responsibility for the advancement of
the community and the country. The task of building entrepreneurial enterprise or
business ventures that are truly Malaysian in its form, fixtures and features has now
become an on-going agenda for most entrepreneurs. What are the effects of culture
that contributes vital intentions among IT Technopreneurs in Malaysia? Social
relevance is for Malaysian society has, during the past few decades, moved from a
relatively stable state to one where the only constant is “Change”.
Entrepreneurship is transforming rapidly as it forges ahead towards the
accomplishment of their goals, profit making and importantly related to their
responsibility for the society.
Malicious code programmers, computer security hackers, people in business
who deliberately harm others for financial gains, and people exploiting the earth just
for the sake of making profit with no consideration for the future, claimed be IT
technopreneurs. They might be creating wealth as what Kao (1995) defined, but they
5
could not maintain the value-adding responsibility for every single individual on
earth. Do we consider them as IT Technopreneur? Do they have the cultural values
that can actually prevent them from acting in this behaviour? This is more to their
decayed values and unethical behaviour in making entrepreneurial decision.
According to Kao (1995) definition, this type of entrepreneur does not function in a
framework within the environment, because they just function for their own interest
and not the interest of the society.
Yet, who are these IT technopreneurs? The concept of technopreneurship,
with all its allure, is surrounded with quite a bit of mystique. Those persons who set
out to be IT Technopreneurs are often seen as special, brave, strong, or else well
connected to sources of start-up income beyond those that could reasonably expect to
obtain.
Technology entrepreneurship, the act and process of creating new,
technology-intensive start-ups, is a subject of increasing importance in many parts of
the world. Entrepreneurship in parts of South East Asia especially Malaysia has
recently undergone rapid revitalization. At present, little research has been executed
on this field related to Malaysian culture and distinct results are rarely known in
Malaysia. There is a shift of terms for technical entrepreneur that involves in
Information Technology based enterprise. The term Information Technology
Technopreneur (IT Technopreneur) arose from within Malaysian culture to describe
an individual whose entrepreneurial endeavours focus on to Information Technology
oriented enterprise.
IT Technopreneurial businesses are obviously an enormous part of Malaysian
economy. Where as, the government has embraced IT Technopreneurs and has
launched initiatives to promote IT Technopreneurship as a means of economic
6
catalyst to development. Multimedia Super Corridor or MSC in Malaysia has been
the breeding ground or incubator for the Small and Medium scale Industries (SMI) to
several Multi National Corporations (MNC).
Malaysian government through Multimedia Development Corporation
(MDC) is responsible for the establishment of MSC status companies. Until recently,
MDC are trying to push up as many SMI to be honored as the MSC status
companies. There are 546 locally owned and 45 international MSC status companies
as at August 2001 (Othman Yeop Abdullah, 2001-Computimes). The target would be
750 locally owned MSC status companies by 2003. This might be accelerated by
more venture capitalist supplying funds for this IT Technopreneurs.
Malaysian’s Vision 2020 comprise of nine challenges, the fourth is to
establish a developed nation, secure and psychologically liberated with faith and
confidence in itself, justifiably proud of what it is, of what it has accomplished, and
robust enough to face all manners of adversity. On the other words, establishing a
fully moral, liberal, and tolerant society, whose citizens are strong in religious and
spiritual values and imbued with the highest ethical standards. The values stressed
are religious, spiritual and ethical.
This challenge has impact the formation and development of unique
Malaysian entrepreneurial identity which able to express itself with pride and
confidence. Regardless of ethnic and religion, entrepreneurs at the Malaysian
enterprise have to understand what motivates their workforce to excel their work.
It is the challenge for entrepreneurs to predict their workforce intentions and
behaviour with regard to the motivation style acted to excel their entrepreneurial
endeavour. How to harness Malaysian cultural values at workplace? What are the
values at the individual, cultural and organization levels that are important for
7
Malaysians? These are just a few type of unstructured question that often produce
dilemma for entrepreneurs in Malaysia when they get involved in decision making
that affects on Malaysian culture. Discussion regarding this matter will be further
talk about in the literature review section.
Critical to Learned’s (1992) process is the formation of entrepreneurial
intentions. He added, the formation of intentions is the result of the interaction of
psychological traits and background experiences of the individual with situations that
are favourable to entrepreneurship. Previous research suggests that intentions are the
single best predictor of planned behaviour (Krueger, 1993).
Planned behaviour and intentions are to be found posits that entrepreneurs
will encounter situation that will interact with their traits and backgrounds such as
cultural values to cause an action on decision-making. (Krueger, 1993)
Therefore, the focus of this study is to test a model that explains the unique
combination of the individual entrepreneur and his or her experiences and
background that ultimately leads to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions to
start a business or towards venture creation.
This study will also examine the contribution of the different ethnic aspects
related to intention forming of entrepreneurs, this cultural aspect plays an important
role in the way entrepreneur think and it is assumed that the way one thinks has a
significant impact on the intention to start a business and managing a business.
Through this study, we will have a better understanding of the dynamics of IT
Technopreneur, in particular capturing their intentions regarding their behaviour.
Today, IT Technopreneurship seem to be on an upswing. As the rates of
corporate downsizing and layoffs increase, individuals who fear for their jobs find
the prospects of being their own bosses to be quite attractive. Even those persons
8
who have relatively stable employment reverie about setting their own schedules,
making their own strategic plans, and keeping all of their own profits.
However, the risks associated with IT Technopreneurship can be quite
daunting. Just as such a business can succeed and reap benefits for the
technopreneur, it can also fail, stripping the technopreneur of not only the business
itself, but often his or her personal assets as well. Moreover, just as it can be
tempting to be in charge of one’s own business, the reality of complete responsibility
for such an undertaking can be far from the daydream of short hours and long
vacations.
To fulfill the purpose of this study, research was conducted as an exploratory
basis to determine if the following had a relationship: (a) Perceived Desirability (PD)
towards Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI), (b) Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
(PPB) towards Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI), (c) Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience (BPPEE) towards Perceived Desirability (PD), and a
comparison between racial identification towards PD, PPB and BPPEE.
The elements identified in this entrepreneurial study were essential to the
Malaysian IT Technopreneurial intention and behaviour evaluation.
In this chapter, discussion of the statement of problems are the opening issues
that will be presented, secondly the objectives, thirdly theoretical framework,
hypotheses, scope, definition of terms used in this writing and the final part will be
the chapter summary.
9
1.2
Statement of Problem
The different value of inter-cultural society in Malaysia produces challenges
in the study of entrepreneurial intentions and behaviour. As for this study, the
entrepreneurial intentions that produce entrepreneurial behaviour among the three
major ethnic groups in Malaysia will be the main issues that are to be tested.
This study suggests that, it is more comprehensive to test those entrepreneurs
with different cultural background in order to come up with the Malaysian Culture or
Malaysian Values in entrepreneurship.
Considering the fact that new entrepreneurial organizations emerge over time
because of careful thought and action, entrepreneurship is an example of such
planned behaviour (Bird, 1988).
In addition, entrepreneurship is a process that does not occur in a vacuum but
is influenced by a variety of cultural and social factors as well as personal traits and
characteristics (Reynolds, 1992). Intention-based process models are able to capture
the complexity of entrepreneurship and provide a framework to build robust, testable
process models of entrepreneurship.
Researchers have developed intention-based models such as the theory of
Shapero’s (1982) model of the entrepreneurial event. Despite the interest in
intention-based models, few studies explicitly use theory-driven intention-based
process models of entrepreneurship (Gartner, 1988). Therefore, the current study
uses an intention-based model to answer the following research question:
“What are the relation between Breadth and Positivenesss of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience, Perceived Desirability, Propensity for Proactive
10
Behaviour towards Entrepreneurial Intention and also their comparison
between 3 major ethnic groups that are Malays, Chinese and Indians?”
1.3
Objectives of the Study
The study was designed to build effort in exploring the relationship among
inter-cultural society in Malaysia. This inter-cultural society contribute to their
personal traits and characteristics of the entrepreneur along with predisposing events
can be examined for their relationship with the formation of entrepreneurial
intentions. The study focused on using a theoretically sound intention-based process
model of entrepreneurship that includes traits and characteristics of the entrepreneur
along with predisposing events. The theoretical framework will be discussed in the
next section. The results are used as the first step in predicting entrepreneurial
behaviour.
The following chapter provides an overview of the literature that constitutes
the theoretical foundation for the study.
Given the significance of intentions, the objectives of this study was to
a. Investigate entrepreneurship dimension that are perceived desirability toward
entrepreneurial intention.
b. Investigate entrepreneurship dimension that are propensity for proactive
behaviour toward entrepreneurial intention.
c. Investigate entrepreneurship dimension that are breadth and positiveness of
past entrepreneurial experience toward entrepreneurial intention.
d. Compare those variables with three major ethnic groups in Malaysia that are
Malays, Chinese and Indians.
11
1.4
Theoretical Framework
Researchers have developed intention-based model such as the model of the
entrepreneurial event introduced by Shapero (1982)(Summers, 1998). The Shapero
Model of Entrepreneurial Event is used as the theoretical framework for this study,
as shown in figure 1.1. Selection of this model will be discussed further in the
literature review chapter.
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
Perceived
Desirability
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
Figure 1.1: Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event as a Theoretical
Framework for this study.
As a purpose of comparing between three major ethnic groups in Malaysia
that are the Malay, Chinese and Indian, the model is modified to show the linkages
12
between the different ethnic groups and the variables involved for the development
of their entrepreneurial intention, as shown in figure 1.2.
Race
(Ethnic Group)
H5
H4
H6
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
H2
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Perceived
Desirability
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
H1
H3
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
Figure 1.2: Combination of Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event
and Race (Ethnic Group) Path Hypothesis
In Malaysian context, the national culture, values, roles, norms and patterns
of thinking plays an important part in entrepreneurial perceived desirability and
propensity for proactive behaviour towards entrepreneurial intentions. This includes
the cultural values that are positively or negatively related to entrepreneurial
intention.
13
The figure also shows six symbols from H1 to H6 that represent the path
hypothesis of the study. The details of the hypothesis will be presented in the next
section.
Based on the theoretical foundation, the following specific questions can be
addressed in the current research study:
1. How does intention-based models such as Shapero Model of
Entrepreneurial Event (1982) can be used to explain the formation of IT
entrepreneurial intentions?
2. What are the relation between Breadth and Positivenesss of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience, Perceived Desirability, Propensity for
Proactive Behaviour towards Entrepreneurial Intention and the
comparison between three major ethnic groups that are Malays, Chinese
and Indians?
3. Is there any level of difference between the three major ethnic groups in
Malaysia that could in their own way contribute on entrepreneurial
intention for Malaysian IT Technopreneurs?
4. How does intention-based model such as Shapero Model of
Entrepreneurial Event (1982) can be used to explain the formation of
Entrepreneurial Intentions among the three major ethnic groups in
Malaysia that could in their own way contribute on entrepreneurial
intention for Malaysian IT Technopreneurs?
14
1.5
Hypothesis of this Study
The following Null Hypotheses (Hφ) and Research Hypotheses (HR) are
suggested as a statistical statement used for Chapter IV. Null Hypothesis support for
the non-association of the variables related to entrepreneurial intentions and their
comparison to Race according to the theoretical framework. Contrary to null
hypothesis would be the research hypothesis that support the positive association of
the variables related to entrepreneurial intentions and their comparison to Race
according to the theoretical framework.
Hφ1: Perceived Desirability is not associated with the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions.
HR1: Perceived Desirability is positively associated with the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions.
Hφ2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial experience is not
associated with perceived desirability.
HR2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial experience is
positively associated with perceived desirability.
Hφ3: The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is not associated with the
formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
HR3: The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively associated with
the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
Hφ4: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards Perceived
Desirability related to Race.
15
HR4: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Perceived
Desirability related to Race.
Hφ5: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
HR5: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
Hφ6: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards Propensity
for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
HR6: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Propensity for
Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
1.6
Scope of Study
This scope of this study covers a discussion on the Malaysian inter-cultural
society. Inter-cultural societies are the plural type of personality that is confined to
the three ethnic groups that are Malays, Chinese and Indians.
Secondly is the investigation of Intention-based models of entrepreneurial
behaviour that are the Shapero’s Model of Entrepreneurial Event (Shapero, 1982).
This shows the relationship of Malaysian IT Technopreneur toward Perceived
Desirability, Propensity for Proactive Behaviour, Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience towards entrepreneurial intentions. The comparisons
between three major ethnic groups are then analyzed for any differences between
those variables.
16
1.7
Significance of Study
The research study was designed to answer the call of researcher for better
understanding of the emergence of a new firm with the effect of their cultural
differences.
The development of this study towards inter cultural relationship according to
Shapero’s (1982) model of entrepreneurial event provides several potential benefits.
The research model contains both background and dispositional variables that
combine to form the intentions to start a business. The model will help researchers
understand how the background of the entrepreneur with regard of his cultural
differences and the characteristics of the entrepreneur combine to form
entrepreneurial intentions. This is important to researchers because it will provide a
framework to help answer a variety of questions, such as “Is there any level of
difference between the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia that could in their own
way contribute better waves on entrepreneurial intentions for Malaysian IT
Technopreneurs?” or “Is there any shared value or common cultural values that plays
the biggest role in Malaysian IT Technopreneurial intentions” or “What are the
intercultural values that might be positively or negatively related with the
entrepreneurial intentions for Malaysian IT Technopreneurs?”
For entrepreneurs and educators, knowing how entrepreneurial intentions are
formed within such values of culture will yield a wealth of practical applications. For
example, educators could develop entrepreneurial curriculum that would increase the
probability of intentions forming. Entrepreneurs could understand how their
intentions are formed and take steps to manipulate the critical variables such as to
increase desirability, and become more confident in their ability to take action. This
17
includes the cultural values that might be positively or negatively related to
entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurs will also develop into being more
resourceful in understanding the differences of intention forming among the three
ethnic groups.
Public policy makers will benefit from understanding the impact of policy
initiatives that would encourage the formation of intentions and ultimately, the
formation of new business. For example, the influence on entrepreneurial activity
created by special economic incentives or the formation of incubator programs will
be easier to assess. With the wave of corporate downsizing and outsourcing,
economic stability will hinge on new business formation (Krueger, 1993). This
demonstrated that huge corporation has deserted the policy of lifetime employment,
eliminating jobs of thousand of worker. Therefore, promoting entrepreneurial
intentions is both desirable and feasible for creating own business.
In Malaysian context, the national culture, values, roles, norms and patterns
of thinking plays an important part in entrepreneurial perceived desirability and
propensity for proactive behaviour towards entrepreneurial intentions. This includes
the cultural values that are positively or negatively related to entrepreneurial
intention. These cultural values can be assessed and harness to increase our
entrepreneurial workforce ability.
This study also suggest researchers to develop tool or psychometric
instrument to assess Malaysian IT Technopreneur that can be aligned with the
venture’s goals, such as better market, profit making and better understanding of
Malaysian culture that can be identified and nurtured in the knowledge based
economy.
18
The tools or instrument can be displayed using computer programs to ease the
process of entrepreneurial assessment this can be done by publishing as an electronic
form on the World Wide Web (WWW). As for the advantage of handheld hardware
and software, the survey instruments can also me programmed for the use of PDA
devices. The use of WWW and PDA as a medium for assessment is the most
efficient and productive way to test entrepreneur with regard to their intentions and
to evaluate their behaviour.
1.8
Definition of Terms
The following definitions are provided for key terms that are used throughout
the study.
a)
Entrepreneur/Entrepreneurship:
The literature provides no universally accepted definition of an
entrepreneur (Gartner, 1989). In fact, the subject has developed a
great deal of controversy. Therefore, as Gartner (1989) suggests, each
research study should specifically define the type of entrepreneur that
is the focus for that particular study. Consequently, according to Kao
(1995), the entrepreneur is a person who undertakes a wealth-creating
and value-adding process, through incubating ideas, assembling
resources and making things happen. Specifically, entrepreneur is a
person who undertakes a wealth-creating and value-adding process,
through incubating ideas, assembling resources and making things
happen (Kao, 1995). Entrepreneurship is a process of doing
19
something new (creative) and something different (innovative) for
creating wealth for the individual and adding value to society (Kao,
1995).
b)
Information Technology Technopreneurs:
The word derives form Technology Entrepreneur, Information
Technology Technopreneurs are entrepreneur that are based on
information technology oriented enterprise (Soota, 1998). IT
Technopreneurs are those entrepreneurs specifically involves in IT
solution, whether it engross software, hardware and communication
solution. Retail of computer products without IT solution is not
included in this definition.
c)
Culture:
Culture is viewed here as a system of patterned meanings or the
collective mental programming of a social group (Hofstede, 1980).
d)
Inter-Culture:
The relation among Malays, Chinese and Indians are likely to observe
some common cultural attributes as described by Asma, 1992.
20
e)
Common Cultural Attributes:
A common culture agreed on for the three major ethnic groups in
Malaysia that are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. These accepted
values are listed according to Asma, 1992.
f)
Entrepreneurial Behaviour:
For this study, entrepreneurial behaviour is defined as performing
behaviour that indicates a dedication to the physical creation of a
business venture (Behave, 1994).
g)
Entrepreneurial Intention:
Entrepreneurial intention is defined as the commitment to performing
behaviour that is necessary to physically start the business venture
(Krueger, 1993). The probability, from 0% to 100% that the
entrepreneur will achieve MSC Status Company in the near future is
the measurement for this study.
h)
Perceived Desirability:
This study will use Shapero’s definition of perceived desirability as
described by Krueger (1993). It is defined “…as the degree to which
one finds the prospect of starting a business to be attractive; in
essence, it reflects one’s affect toward entrepreneurship” (Krueger,
1993, p.8)
21
i)
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour:
A person with a proactive personality is one who is relatively
unconstrained by situational forces and effects environmental change
(Crant, 1996). The proactive personality identifies opportunities and
acts on them; it shows initiative, takes action, and perseveres until it
changes the environment (Crant, 1996). Therefore, propensity for
proactive behaviour is tendency of individuals to act in a way
consistent with a proactive personality.
j)
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience:
Shapero (1982) suggest that the quality and quantity of past
entrepreneurial experience indirectly influences entrepreneurial
intentions. Therefore, breadth of past entrepreneurial experience is
defined as to which a person has been exposed to entrepreneurship in
the past. Positives are defined as whether the past experiences are
perceived as positive, negative, or also known in this study as the
degree of positiveness.
1.9
Chapter Summary
This chapter is designed to provide a broad overview of the study. First, a
statement of the problem and the objectives provided an introduction to the study.
Next, the theoretical framework, hypotheses, scope is presented followed by
22
significance of the study, and definitions of the relevant terms used throughout the
study.
Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature and investigation of the research
model, specific research questions and hypothesis to be addressed.
Chapter 3 presents the methodology that introduces the design of the
research, respondents involved, procedures using questionnaires, the measurement of
instrument regarding entrepreneurial intentions, perceived desirability, propensity for
proactive behaviour and breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience
and also the chapter summary.
Chapter 4 presents the analysis of results in relation to the hypothesis that are
tested. The first part covers on descriptive analysis that are the respondents’
demographic information, percentage, mean, standard deviation and level analysis.
The second part covers the inferential analysis that comprise of correlation between
variables in H1, H2 and H3. The following will be the analysis of score mean and
one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to observe the variables in relation to H4,
H5 and H6.
The final chapter discusses on the hypothesized relationship, implications of
the study, practical implications, limitations of the study, and direction for future
research.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.0
Introduction
Researchers have started the soul-searching process to find what
entrepreneurs are really like. The huge definition of entrepreneur has been a
challenging task where the difficulties arose when there are too many personality
type found in this process. There are also many words related to the description of
entrepreneurial profile, trait, role, intention, character and all of these are the basis
for their entrepreneurial behaviour.
An approach in discussing the subject of cultural influences on aspects of
entrepreneurial dimensions will be used in this study. For this purpose, it is important
to point out that in examining the characteristics of the cultures, one finds that most
of the research available focus on differences in values and beliefs rather than on
actual behaviours or decisions. These intercultural areas recognize the values and
beliefs may not necessarily be translated into behaviours or decisions but that they do
significantly overlap. For example, the theory of reasoned action and the research
derived from it indicate that attitudes, beliefs, and values often do affect behavioural
intentions and subsequent behaviour (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). This supports the
24
degree of association between different racial identification with dissimilar
upbringing with regard to their behaviour.
Of course, part of the problem of predicting behaviour from individual
characteristics is that situational factors influence and may overwhelm individual
propensities or inclinations in a particular situations. It has been recognized since at
least the 1930s, that behaviour is a function of both individual and situational
characteristics (Carroll & Gannon, 1997). Indeed, there is presently a good deal of
attention to this perspective of behaviour and to the sub field of interactional
psychology (Schneider, 1983). This perspective is reflected in the relationship of
culture to entrepreneurial ethical behaviour or decision-making as described in the
suggested model Figure 2.1 below (Carroll & Gannon, 1997).
Origins of
Culture
History
National
Cultures
Entrepreneurial
Practices
Primary
Mechanism
of Cultural
Transmission
Parenting &
Socialization
Resources
Geography
Entrepreneurial
Values and
Beliefs
Education
Secondary
Mechanism of
Cultural
Transmission
Laws
Team
Recruitment
Religion
Organizational
Culture
Model Value
and Beliefs of
Entrepreneurs
Model Ethical
Behaviour of
Entrepreneurs
Figure 2.1: A Model of Culture and Ethical Behaviours Among Entrepreneurs
25
Before describing the model in more detail, it is better to stress the usefulness
of the psychological expectancy model for examining the critical variables in all
choice situations, including ethical decision-making. In this model, choices are
asserted to be the result of an individual’s expectations about achieving a goal or
outcome and the degree of desirability associated with it, considering all of its
consequences and their meaning for the individual decision maker. The
consequences are a function of individual factors and environmental factors. For
example, in deciding to venture into business, an entrepreneur must first calculate
whether possible to do it. This is affected by the variables in figure 2.1 (page 24)
such as origins of culture (i.e., own ethnic culture), national culture, and primary and
secondary mechanism of cultural transmission. These variables will give effect on
the two models: a) Model Value & Belief of Entrepreneurs and b) Model Ethical
Behaviour of Entrepreneurs. This also apply on the entrepreneur in deciding to do
something that is unethical, the individual must first weigh up many factors involved.
Obviously, the entrepreneur can control on what action is to be make possible
and action that must be avoided because it is a planned behaviour (Krueger, 1993). If
action is possible because of some opportunity, and the individual has the capability
of doing it, the next calculation is whether the pluses and minuses make it
worthwhile.
Entrepreneurs’ actions are very difficult to measure in this term. Somehow,
entrepreneurs seem to have a few characteristics that are listed repeatedly during
many researches (Kilby, 1983). Self-control, self-confidence, comprehensive
awareness, emotional stability and lot more that are the personal factors that in fact
assisted them to come up with the best possible action and avoid the “no-no” action
to further progress as a successful entrepreneur (Kilby, 1983).
26
Over the next few years, the main challenge for entrepreneurs in Malaysia is
to examine our local entities and identify shared values and entrepreneurial practices
which serve as building blocks to promote a truly Malaysian entrepreneurs with our
own Malaysian culture. Values of the Malaysian culture are contributed by mostly
the three major ethnic groups, which are Malays, Chinese and Indians. As Malaysia
become more exposed to international business practices, IT technopreneurs have to
take the lead in identifying local cultures that are applicable and affecting their
entrepreneurial behaviour.
The need to understand entrepreneurship has never been more important than
it is today. In Malaysia alone, entrepreneurial activity accounts for a huge amount of
gross domestic product and higher percent of all new jobs (Zainab Ahmad, et al.,
1997). This significant economic impact has fueled the current interest in research on
the entrepreneurial phenomenon.
This chapter contains a review of the literature on Malaysian society and
culture touching on three major ethnic cultures that are the Malays, Chinese and
Indians. Also listing down the technopreneurial dimension by introducing the Model
of Entrepreneurial Event (Shapero, 1982), as the research model and related
hypotheses.
The first major section examines the Malaysian inter-cultural society. This
section discussed on the common value orientations at inter-cultural level and
common cultural values.
The second section begins with a discussion of the literature that presents
research support for the use of intention-based model that provide the theoretical
framework for the study, that is Shapero’s (1982) model of the entrepreneurial event
(Figure 2.2).
27
Race
(Ethnic Group)
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
Perceived
Desirability
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
Figure 2.2: Shapero’s (1982) Model of the Entrepreneurial Event and Race
(Ethnic Group)
The following section presents the entrepreneurial intention-based research
model and related hypotheses. As a matter of time constraint, this section presents an
overview of the research model followed by only two sections that will discuss the
major predictor variables of entrepreneurial intentions along with their antecedents
and related hypotheses. The description of the theoretical foundation and related
hypothesis associated with perceived desirability, breadth of past entrepreneurial
experience, and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience were also presented.
The second section presents propensity for proactive behaviour along with its
28
supporting research and related hypothesis. The last section introduces the addition
of race for the Shapero’s Model.
2.1
Malaysian Inter-Cultural Society
For most entrepreneurial organizations Malaysia, they are represented by
intercultural workplace. The role of the leader and his team is to create a work
culture based on a set of shared values and practices that will thrive in Malaysian’s
multicultural environment. It is therefore important for them to articulate a clear
vision that embodies and conveys in actions and words, the desirable attitudes,
values and beliefs of those they are responsible for.
The intercultural workplaces in Malaysia have their own unique identities
that are based on the cultural values of their enterprise owners and leaders. To
introduce new work related value at the workplace, the significance of the existing
values and how they are interpreted would have to be recognized and understood.
This comes up with the inferences of culture in organizations. The culture of
an organization consists of underlying assumptions, values, symbols, rituals and
heroes and establishes meanings for its members. As values form the heart of the
organization, entrepreneurs or the founder have to communicate them to all
employees. When there are organizational values that are incongruent with those that
the employees have been exposed to in the homes and schools, entrepreneurs as
founders and managers have to take time to ensure that they are being internalized.
As we look at the interaction at the Malaysian workplace, some acceptable
behaviour at the intercultural levels may not always be well received at a more
29
wider level, that is the cross-cultural level of interactions. Globalization plays to
most extensive role in the making of interactions cross culturally. Malaysian
entrepreneurs who are only familiar with one level of interaction have to learn
through exposure to different work settings, social interaction and observation of
work related practices, norms, and ways of doing things at the other levels such as
intra-cultural and cross-cultural level to be flexible at their workplaces.
The following table (Table 2.1) shows the summary of Malaysian Ethnic
values. These values were adapted from: Asma Abdullah (1992), “The influence of
Ethnic Values on Managerial Practices in Malaysia”, Malaysian Management
Review, Vol: 27, No.1 page 30.
Table 2.1:
List of Malaysian Ethnic Values
A: MALAYS
Respect for elders
Friendliness
Not aggressive
Spirituality
Politeness
Cooperation (Gotong royong)
Humility
Harmony/peace
Good manners (Sopan santun)
Face
Loyalty
Faith in God (Tawakal)
Tact
Apologetic
Family oriented
Generosity
Formalities
Obedience
Caring
Accommodating
Fairness
Patience
Trustworthiness
Sincerity
Relationships
Discipline
Courtesy
Sensitivity to
Teamwork
Self-respect (Hormat diri)
Sense of
Non-confrontational
feelings
Honesty
appropriateness
Indirect
Tolerance
Rituals
Food and ceremonies
Harmony with
Compliance
Tacit system of
environment
Hierarchy
reciprocal obligations
30
B: CHINESE
Food
Money
Gambling/risk taking
Hard work
Perseverance
Filial piety
Success
Position
Respect for hierarchy
Diligence
Face
Integrity
Education
Thrift
Modesty
Wealth
Meritocracy
Honesty
Family oriented
Generosity
Entrepreneurship
Happiness
Prosperity
Pragmatic/practical
Harmony
Family
C: INDIANS
Fear of God
Participation
Loyalty
Sense of belonging
Hard work
Brotherhood
Security
Champion of causes
Family
Filial piety
Harmony
Karma
Modesty Face
2.2
Common Cultural Values of Malaysian
Based on studies done by Asma (1992), there are common cultural values of
Malaysian:
i)
Collectivistic
Team working to accomplish a task. This is because of the sense of
belonging. Malaysians are more collectivists than individualist. This may be
assembled from the group orientation, concern for others, loyalty and trust, sense of
belonging, compromising and relationship orientation which are characteristics of
this society. There is a high degree of ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ orientation in Malaysian
society, as people prefer doing their activities joy fully together.
31
ii)
Hierarchical
Malaysia identified as one that have the highest power distance (Hofstede,
1991). Malaysians in general are willing to accept inequality in power is normal.
Malaysian leaders are expected to take the lead and be regarded as significant role
models and “wise leaders”.
iii)
Relationship-oriented
Malaysia is a high context culture (Hall, 1989), where it is not easy to
separate a person with its environment. It is not an easy task to separate their
business from private lives. Malaysian entrepreneurs have to spend time to build
personal relationship as a ticket to get things done.
Communication is indirect rather than direct and where the meaning of a
communication depends on knowing the situational clues shown by body language,
seating position, and status differences (Hall, 1989)
iv)
Face Saving
Maintaining a person’s dignity by not embarrassing or humiliating others in
front of others. If face is preserved, interpersonal relationship will be kept in a
harmony to maintain respect. Loses face could be more painful than physical pain,
because it may withdraw any good attention from the person.
Confrontational behaviours are often counter-productive and go against the
concept of face saving.
32
v)
Religious
Most Malaysians identified with a particular religion, belief in the Supreme
Being. For Malays who are Muslim, they have the attitude of giving in or can be
interpreted as a sign of autonomous surrender.
For the Chinese and Indians, their religious practices are also important
sources of contentment and spiritual health.
vi)
Pursuit of Success
Malaysians are now imbued with a sense of purpose and commitment on the
emphasis of Vision 2020. This new spirit is important because it allows Malaysians
to break away from outmoded thinking and beliefs and to test new grounds but
within the boundaries of what it considers to be appropriate for a multicultural
society.
Because of the diversity of the workforce, the definition of success varies
among the three major ethnic groups. Malays defined success in terms of rapport
with family, friends and associates. They are also attracted by tangible rewards such
as a piece of land, a house, or pilgrimage to Mecca. They also feel comfortable when
they receive respects of whom they know.
Chinese community defined success as prosperity, which signifies a secure
and happy future for the family. Chinese philanthropist are highly respected both
inside and outside their communities and more so for their donations to educational
and religious institutions. Chinese give a sign of modesty when they are asked about
their riches. They tend to say, “Its enough”.
Indians tends to gravitate towards organizations that cater for their well-being
and development, especially those that enable them to express their points of view.
33
Hence, Indians are more noticeable in trade union activities, the legal professions and
voluntary associations such as NGO’s where they are seen to champion a worthy
cause.
Figure 2.3 presents an intercultural level in Malaysia that embodied from
three major ethnic groups that are Malay, Chinese and Indian followed by common
value orientations that are shown in table 2.2 (Asma, 1996).
Malay
Chinese
Malaysian
Indian
Figure 2.3: Relating the Malaysian Inter Cultural Society
Table 2.2: Common Value Orientations at Inter-Cultural Levels
Collectivism
Preserving Face
Compromise
Religious
Food and Ceremonies
Protocol
Respect for Authority
Hospitality
Harmony and Tolerance
Malaysians, whether Malay, Chinese or Indian, on average believe that
money is the main reason why people go to work (Asma, 1996). However, for the
multicultural workforce, there are also other factors that are considered important, in
particular opportunities for self-development, growth and contribution to the
community and nation. As for these factors, these multicultural groups have their
34
way of proactive behaviour and perception regarding to their entrepreneurial
endeavour.
The afore-mentioned characteristics of the Malaysian workforce are
manifestations of the underlying values on the three main groups and their impact on
business behaviour at the workplace.
The intercultural workplace of Malays, Chinese, Indians and others is more
likely to observe the common values of collectivism, hierarchy, relationship oriented,
face saving, religion and pursuit of success.
Those entrepreneurs who are in the position to lead are expected to preserve
the well-regarded values of the workforce and cascade them downwards personally.
Effective Malaysian entrepreneurs can transform their workforce to face the
challenges ahead by affirming their cultural values and developing appropriate
shared practices. Shared values and shared practices can contribute to enhancing
group morale and productivity.
By stressing on relationship to produce results, developing real spirit and
enthusiasm, being sensitive to the values and nuances of all the diverse cultures and
taking the lead to initiate new work practices which are based on the core managerial
values such as performance orientation, goal clarity, decisiveness, achievement,
accountability, commitment, and meeting deadlines, entrepreneurs can help to build a
dedicated and resilient Malaysian workforce at the intercultural workplace.
35
2.3
Shapero’s Model of Entrepreneurial Event.
Underlying Shapero’s (1982) model of the entrepreneurial event (see Figure
2.2, page 27) is the assumption that most choices of action depend on the perceived
desirability and feasibility of the action coupled with an individual’s propensity to
take action. Therefore, entrepreneurial intentions that lead to the entrepreneurial
event have three primary determinants; perceived desirability, perceived feasibility,
and a propensity to take action.
Perception of desirability is the degree to which one finds starting a business
an attractive thing to do (Shapero, 1982). Perception of feasibility is the degree to
which one thinks that he or she is capable of starting a business. One must believe
that starting a business is both desirable and feasible before entrepreneurial intentions
are formed.
In addition, Shapero (1982) suggested that the extent (breadth) and
positiveness (depth) of past entrepreneurial experience are two other important
factors in determining perceptions of desirability and feasibility. Individuals with a
great deal of past entrepreneurial experience, especially if it was positive, will be
more likely to form favorable perceptions of desirability and feasibility about
entrepreneurial activity.
Shapero (1982) also theorized that the formation of entrepreneurial intentions
is determined by a person's propensity to act or propensity for person’s proactive
behaviour. Propensity to act is a quality to act on one’s decisions and is a result of
one’s desire to take control through taking action (Krueger, 1993). In general, the
higher the propensity to act, the more likely person is to take action on an intention.
36
The Shapero (1982) model has not received much research attention. These
studies provide the primary support for the model and show that perceptions of
desirability, feasibility, and a propensity to act are all positively related to
entrepreneurial intentions.
2.4
Research Model and Hypothesis.
As previously discussed, research suggests that intentions are a reliable
predictor of behaviour (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). As a result, the predictive value of
the intentions-behaviour relationship is well established in the literature. Therefore,
the research model focuses on the variables that may relate to the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions rather than on the intentions-behaviour relationship.
Based on strong empirical support (e.g., Ajzen, 1991), Shapero (1982) model
provide a solid foundation for research on influences on the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions. The findings of Krueger (1993) indicate that the Shapero
model is the predictor of intentions. Therefore, the Shapero model is the foundation
of the research model.
Intention was described as a state of mind that directs a person's attention,
experience, and behaviour toward a specific object or method of behaving (Bird,
1992). This implies that intention directs individuals towards a specific action
(behaviour). A person with intentions has a commitment to a particular behaviour. In
fact, Krueger (1993) defined entrepreneurial intentions as the commitment to starting
a business venture. In addition, intentions have the elements of action, target, time,
and context. The critical elements are action and target. For this study, the target of
entrepreneurial intentions is starting a MSC Status company as a profit-making
37
enterprise, and the action is a behaviour that is critical to making the enterprise a
physical reality (i.e., securing a location, purchasing supplies, hiring employees).
Therefore, in the research model, entrepreneurial intention is the commitment to the
physical creation of a profit making business or a new venture creation. For example,
“I intended to tie (action) a deal (target) with Ministry of Education (government
body) (context) next week (time)” is a statement of intended behaviour to tie a deal
in a specific context during a specific time. The measure of behaviour must
correspond to the action, target, context, and time elements of intention by asking if
the subject sought contract at Ministry of Education (government body) during the
next week.
Overall, the research model suggests that entrepreneurial intentions are
formed by three primary factors: perceived desirability, propensity for proactive
behaviour, and perceived feasibility. The basic premise of the model is that
entrepreneurial intentions are formed when people perceive that entrepreneurship is
desirable, they believe that they are capable of doing what is required, and they take
action on their beliefs.
Perceived desirability is Shapero's (1982) construct defined as the degree to
which one finds the prospect of starting a business attractive. In addition, perceived
desirability is influenced by social support (what important others think) and the
breadth (quantity) and positiveness (quality) of past entrepreneurial experience
(Shapero, 1982; Krueger, 1993).
Shapero (1982) theorized that positive attitudes alone were not enough to
produce entrepreneurial intentions, but also required a propensity to take action.
Shapero deducted that propensity to take action is rooted in a person's desire to take
control. He proposed locus of control as a proxy variable (Krueger, 1993).
38
Propensity for proactive behaviour is a personality type that is relatively
unconstrained by situational forces, identifies opportunities, and acts on them
(Bateman & Crant, 1993). It is a result of one's need to maneuver and control the
situation. This construct captures the idea of control, which is the central theme of
Shapero's (1982) propensity to act. As a resu1t, propensity for proactive behaviour is
included in the research model as compulsory for the formation of entrepreneurial
intentions.
This section has provided an overview of the study's research model. The
following sections will more fully develop the theoretical foundation for each
variable and describe the associated hypotheses.
2.4.1 Perceived Desirability & Entrepreneurial Intentions
Shapero (1982) model include measures of attitude as a determinant of
intentions. In each case, attitude is an evaluative measure of the desirability of
performing the intended behaviour. Thus, in the research model used in the study,
perceived desirability is a measure of a person's attitude toward starting a business.
39
Race
(Ethnic Group)
H5
H4
H6
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
H2
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Perceived
Desirability
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
H1
H3
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
Figure 2.4: Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event and Race (Ethnic
Group) Path Hypothesis
Attitudes about any behaviour (in this case, starting a business) are
determined by the individual’s beliefs about performing the behaviour (Ajzen &
Fishbein, 1980). Associating the intended behaviour with various characteristics,
qualities, and attributes grows beliefs. From these associations, individuals will either
like (have a favorable attitude) or dislike (have an unfavorable attitude) toward
performing the behaviour (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). Individuals with favorable
attitudes toward a behaviour will be more likely to form strong entrepreneurial
40
intentions and, thus, perform the behaviour than individuals with unfavorable
attitudes (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). As a result, the following research hypothesis is
suggested.
H1:
Perceived Desirability is positively associated with the formation of
Entrepreneurial Intentions
2.4.2 Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience
People develop beliefs during the normal course of their lives. These beliefs
may be the result of direct involvement and/or observation, or the acceptance of
information from outside sources (verbal persuasion) (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980).
Therefore, the research model suggests that two major sources of beliefs influence
the formation of perceived desirability. The breadth and positiveness of experience,
which are evaluations of the quantity and quality of past entrepreneurial experience,
provide information concerning the desirability of entrepreneurial behaviour from
direct involvement or observation.
Shapero (1982) model suggest that attitudes such as perceived desirability are
influence by past experience. In addition, the influence may be greater if the past
experience is with an industry related to the one the entrepreneur is considering
(Brockhaus & Horwitz, 1986). Some empirical support for the influence of past
experience on attitudes is found in research examining the impact of past experience
on the career development of executives. It is also shown that many executives share
attitudes based on both the breadth and quality of past experience. (Brockhaus &
Horwitz, 1986) showed a relation between life experience and vocational choice.
41
Krueger (1993) found limited empirical support for the role of past entrepreneurial
experience in the formation of perceived desirability. Although the breadth and
positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience have been theorized as a determinant
of attitudes such as perceived desirability (Krueger, 1993; Shapero, 1982), little
empirical support is available because very few studies address the variables
specifically. As a result, the current research attempts to provide support for the
following theorized relations.
H2:
The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience is
positively associated with Perceived Desirability
2.4.3 Propensity for Proactive Behaviour & Entrepreneurial Intentions
Shapero's (1982) model suggests that it would be difficult to form intentions
without a strong desire to act on them. Intentions direct attention, experience, and
behaviour toward the accomplishment of a specific action (Bird, 1992). Therefore,
the stronger a person’s desire to take action, the stronger the intentions (Krueger,
1993). Shapero (1982) theorized that a person's propensity to act is grounded in
desire to gain control of a situation by taking action (Krueger, 1993). While new
ventures are not forced into existence, they also are not the stagnant result of
environmental conditions (Bird, 1992). New ventures are a result of planned
attempts to take actions that will influence or create the environment in such a way as
to allow the formation of the venture. Therefore, entrepreneurial intentions are
determined by an individual’s desire to take actions that will influence the
environment (Crant, 1996).
42
This is also known as locus of control. In this theory, there are two types of
people; a) externals, those who believe that what happens to them is a result of fate,
chance, luck, or forces beyond their control; and b) internals, those who believe that
for the most part the future is theirs to control through their own effort. Clearly,
people who undertake a new business must believe that their effort will have
something to do with the business’s future performance.
A logical hypothesis would be that internals are more entrepreneurial than
externals. However, evidence supporting this hypothesis has been inconclusive
(Brockhaus, 1982). Some studies have shown that internals are overly represented in
the entrepreneurial population, but others show no difference between entrepreneurs
and others. In fact, it could be argued that any good manager must also possess the
qualities of an internal: a person who believes that efforts affect outcomes. So, while
locus of control might distinguish people who believe in astrology and those who do
not, it may not differentiate potential entrepreneurs form potential managers or just
plain business students.
The desire to take control is described by Bateman and Crant's (1993)
relatively new construct of proactive behaviour. They defined the "proactive
personality" as a person who has a propensity for proactive behaviour. Consequently,
proactive behaviour is a natural construct that identifies differences among people in
the extent to which they take action to influence their environment (Bateman &
Crant, 1993). It is result of a person's need to manipulate and control the
environment. The construct is rooted in the interactionist's perspective (Bandura,
1977) that holds that behaviour is both internally and externally controlled.
Situations are as much a function of the individual as they are of the environment
(Schneider, 1983). Examples of proactive behaviour are starting a new venture,
43
solving long-range problems, and identifying a market opportunity and capitalizing
on it (Bateman & Crant, 1993), all of which are important to entrepreneurship.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that people with proactive personalities would
be drawn to entrepreneurial careers (Crant, l996)
Bateman and Crant (1993) describe the prototypic proactive personality as
one who is reactively unconstrained by situational forces, and who creates
environmental change. These individuals scan the environment for opportunities,
show initiative, take action, and persevere until they read closure with environmental
change. They are pathfinders who change the mission of their organizations and
seek out and solve problems. They make it their mission to affect the world around
them. On the other hand, people who are not proactive show little initiative,
passively adept to change, and even endure their circumstances. The proactive
personality intuitively describes the prototypic entrepreneur.
Little research has been conducted on the proactive personality because the
construct is relatively new. Bateman and Crant (1993) developed and validated a
proactive personality scale. In their research, they found a proactive personality
related to McCelland's need for achievement, which has been found to have a
significant correlation with entrepreneurship. In addition, Crant (1996) found a
positive relationship between proactive personality and success entrepreneurs. In
addition, Crant (1996) found a positive association between proactive personality and
this formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
In this study, it is expected that the propensity for proactive behaviour, which
is the tendency of a person to act in a manner consistent with a proactive personality,
is positively associated with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. As a result,
the following hypothesis is proposed.
44
H3:
The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively associated with the
formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions
2.4.4 Race (ethnic group)
The addition of Race linked to the Shapero’s model is mainly for the purpose
of exploratory study. The makeup of the race is from the three major ethnic groups in
Malaysia. That is the Malays, Chinese and Indians.
As for the exploratory purpose of this study, the following hypotheses were
also proposed.
H4:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Perceived
Desirability related to Race
H5:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race
H5:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Proactive
Behaviour related to Race.
2.5
Chapter Summary
The first part of this chapter provided a review of Malaysian society and
culture. Inter cultural relation involves three major ethnic group in Malaysia. In this
review, the values are discussed and summarized to describe these three ethnic
groups. There are similarities in the value they possess, these are known as the
common cultural attributes as a Malaysian.
45
The final section introduces the application of Shapero’s model used in the
study. The model indicates that perceived desirability, propensity for proactive
behaviour, related to the formation of entrepreneurial- intentions. The model also
indicates that perceived desirability is influenced by the breadth and positiveness of
past entrepreneurial experience. As for the purpose of this study, a new link is added
in the Shapero’s model for the ease of reference and hypothesis display. Finally, the
concluding sections of the chapter described the theoretical support and six proposed
hypotheses for the relationships suggested in the model.
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
3.0
Introduction
This chapter introduces the methodology used to determine the
entrepreneurial intention. An overview of the participants and survey design will be
reviewed. The instrumentation used captures the, perceived desirability, propensity
for proactive behaviour, breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience,
entrepreneurial intention and additionally included question on demographic
information.
This chapter is divided into different sections (a) Introduction, (b) Design,
(c) Respondents, (d) Procedures, (e) Measurement of Instruments. It is expected that
these instruments answer the major research questions, “What are the relation
between Breadth and Positivenesss of Past Entrepreneurial Experience, Perceived
Desirability, Propensity for Proactive Behaviour towards Entrepreneurial Intention
and also their comparison between 3 major ethnic groups that are Malays, Chinese
and Indians?”
Because of relatively large number of dimensions that play a role in
entrepreneurship, a discussion of the design, respondents, procedures were also
presented. Finally, a discussion of the variables and the specific instrument used to
measure these variables are included.
47
3.1
Design and Reliability of Questionnaire
This research designed as a field study utilizing survey methodology chiefly
to explore the relationship between Entrepreneurial Intentions that are derived from
Perceived Desirability, Propensity for Proactive Behaviour and Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience that affects the behaviour of the
entrepreneur.
One survey instrument related to Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI), Perceived
Desirability (PD), Propensity for Proactive Behaviour (PPB) and Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience (BPPEE) used to identify these four
domains.
A pilot test performed in order to produce better and more reliable
questionnaire. The pilot test are done by having discussion with a few IT
technopreneurs in order to omit or modify questions in sections and also overall.
Most entrepreneurs suggested the initial questionnaire to be revised since the
questionnaire takes a long time complete. On average, the first suggested
questionnaire takes more than 40 minutes to complete but the new set of
questionnaire that are very research specific only takes less than 20 minutes to be
completed.
Table 3.1 below shows the reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha) of the
measures. According to the recommendations made by Bagozzi and Yi (1988), if the
alpha value is greater than 0.5 or reaching 1.0, the measuring instrument is high
reliability. All the four sections in the questionnaire presented a high alpha value.
This indicated the high reliability of the questions used.
48
Table 3.1 :
Reliability Test Results Analysis
Factors
Alpha Value
1
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour (Ordinal)
0.91
2
Perceived Desirability (Ordinal)
0.84
3a
Breadth of Past Entrepreneurial Experience (Nominal)
0.74
3b
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience
(Ordinal)
0.78
Test-retest reliability method was also used in this study. This test is
important as the purpose of measuring the same set of respondents completing a
survey at two different points in time to see how stable the responses are. It is a
measure of how reproducible a set of results is.
Correlation coefficients, or r-values, are then calculated to compare the two
sets of responses. In this study, the correlation coefficient, r is equivalent to 0.87.
According to Mark (1995), the r-values are considered good if they are equal or
exceed 0.70. With regard to the statement, it found out that the test-retest reliability
for the instrument in this study has a very high degree of reliability.
3.2
Respondents.
Gartner (1989) stated that a persistent weakness of research into the
determinants of entrepreneurial intentions is the inability to select a sample that
includes individuals serious about entrepreneurship.
To address this weakness, potential respondents for this study were referred
in this way:(a) Malay Chamber of Commerce, (b) Chinese Chamber of Commerce
(c) India Chamber of Commerce, (d) Technopreneurs Association Of Malaysia
49
(TEAM) and (d) Computer Era (a comprehensive computer directory). Respondents
were contacted at The Regional Initiative for Information & Communication
Technology Strategies 2001 Conference and Exhibition that was held in Putra World
Trade Centre on the 24th to 26th July 2001.
The sample for this study consisted of 129 IT Technopreneurs that are located
in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. More samples are actually needed to reduce the
sampling error. According to Falik (1983), 129 samples actually represent a
population of 200 respondents. This study managed to acquire 129 respondents
because of time and cost factor that are part of the constraint of the research.
3.3
Procedures
The assessment were done in two way, i) using a self-administered
questionnaire and ii) direct distribution to respondents during conference and
exhibition. For procedure i), the questionnaire was mailed to the founder or CEO of
each entrepreneur enterprise or company. The mail constitutes of a package
contained three items: a covering letter, one IT Technopreneurial Questionnaire, and
a stamp-affixed envelope. The covering letter explained the purpose and the
objectives of the survey and requested the technopreneur to return the completed
questionnaire within three weeks using the stamp-affixed envelope provided. The
respondents are assured of the strictest confidentiality of their responses. A follow-up
letter is sent to the business that had not responded 3 weeks after sending out the
questionnaires.
50
As for procedure ii), the questionnaire was distributed to every booth and
collected in an hour time.
3.4
Measurement of Instruments
3.4.1
Entrepreneurial Intentions
Entrepreneurial intentions were measured with a single question item asking
respondents to choose a probability, from 0% to 100%, that they would align with
the terms and regulations to develop their entrepreneurial enterprise to achieve MSC
Status Company in the near future (Section 4, Appendix B).
The scale was developed using a format suggested by Ajzen and Fishbein
(1980). The higher the percentage indicated the stronger the intentions to become an
IT Technopreneur.
Therefore, aligning with the terms and condition to be honored the MSC
Status is a highest achievement in becoming a successful IT Company, and is an
indication of the individual’s commitment to the physical creation of his or her
business. There is consistent with Behave’s (1994) suggestion that “starting” a
business is best indicated by a behaviour that shows commitment to physical
creation.
3.4.2
Perceived Desirability
Perceived desirability for starting a business is defined for the current
study”…as the degree to which one finds the prospect of starting a business to be
51
attractive; in essence, it reflects one’s affect toward entrepreneurship” (Krueger,
1993, p.8). The questions were used to assess perceived desirability. Responses were
gathered on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 = negative perception to 5 = a positive
perception (Section 2, Appendix B). Total scale scores were obtained by summing
the five questions.
Research question that related to this measurement is how does perceived
desirability associated with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
The hypothesis is, H1: Perceived Desirability is positively associated with the
formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions.
3.4.3
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience
The breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience is defined for
the study as the extent to which a person had been exposed to the entrepreneurship
(information technology) in the past and whether the past experiences are perceived
as positive or negative. The variables were measured on scales developed by Krueger
(1993). These scales were modified to be an Information Technology specific
(Section 3, Appendix B). Breadth of past experience was measured by asking
subjects whether they had been exposed to each of entrepreneurial experience
(Krueger, 1993). Breadth of experience is the sum of the eight “yes”-“no” questions
(coded 1 for yes, 0 for no).
Positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience was measured by asking
subjects, after each of the breadth questions that were answered “yes”. Positiveness
also known in this study as the degree of positiveness. To rate the experience as
depth of the experience, a 5-point scale were used representing from 1=very negative
52
to 5=very positive. Positiveness of experience is the sum of each of these items
(Krueger, 1993).
Research question that related to this measurement is how does the breadth
and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience associated with perceived
desirability.
The hypothesis is, H2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience is positively associated with Perceived Desirability.
3.4.4
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
For this study, propensity for proactive behaviour is defined as a tendency of
individuals to act in a way consistent with proactive personality. The proactive
personality is someone who identifies opportunities and acts on them; the person
shows initiative, takes action, and perseverance until it changes the environment
(Crant, 1996).
Responses were obtained on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 = strongly
disagree to 5 = strongly agree. The total score was determined by summing responses
to the individual items (Section 1, Appendix B). The higher the sum, the greater the
propensity for proactive behaviour.
Research question that related to this measurement is how does propensity for
proactive behaviour associated with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
The hypothesis is, H3: A Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively associated
with the formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions.
53
3.4.5
Demographic Data
For this study, the demographic data are the most essential part that
contributed the validity of the study. The Racial/Ethnic Identification attributes are
the compulsory attributes that must me filled in by respondents. Any missing data on
this would then be a waste. Any unfilled questionnaire on this attribute will cause the
questionnaire to be invalid.
Another factor that play a role in making the questionnaire invalid is the
selection of Racial/Ethnic identification other than Malay, Chinese and Indian. As for
the purpose of the study, only these 3 major ethnic groups will be treated to data
processing. Any questionnaires that were filled other than the first 3 selections will
be ignored.
Other attributes in this section would be sex, education level and age. (Please
refer to Section 5-Appendix B). The hypotheses that are related to demographic data
would be,
H4: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Perceived Desirability
related to Race.
H5: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Breadth and
Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
H6: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards Propensity for
Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
54
3.5
Chapter Summary
This chapter presented a description of the study’s sample consisting of 129
IT technopreneurs. This was followed by a discussion of the procedure. The next
section described each of the measures including scoring techniques and the results
to obtain support for use of measures developed in this research.
CHAPTER IV
DATA ANALYSIS & RESULTS
4.0
Introduction
This chapter presents the analysis of results for the current study. The results
are branched into two subsections below: -
Subsection 4.1 – Results on Descriptive survey: -
i)
Respondents Demographic information.
ii)
Descriptive analysis that are percentage, mean and standard deviation for
item in Section 1-Propensity for Proactive Behaviour (PPB), Section 2 Perceived Desirability (PD), Section 3 - Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience (BPPEE) and Section 4- Entrepreneurial
Intentions (EI)
iii)
Level analysis on Respondents’ perception towards Section 1 –
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour (PPB), Section 2 - Perceived
Desirability (PD), Section 3 - Breadth and Positiveness of Past
56
Entrepreneurial Experience (BPPEE) and Section 4- Entrepreneurial
Intentions (EI)
Subsection 4.2 – Inferential Analysis are as follows: -
i)
Analysis of Results -Correlation between Perceived Desirability and
Entrepreneurial Intention.
ii)
Analysis of Results -Correlation between Breadth and Positiveness of
Past Entrepreneurial Experience and Perceived Desirability.
iii)
Analysis of Results -Correlation between Propensity for Proactive
Behaviour and Entrepreneurial Intention.
iv)
Mean Score Analysis and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to
view the respondents’ perception on Propensity for Proactive Behaviour,
Perceived Desirability and Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience related to their Race (Ethnic Group).
57
4.1
(i)
Background of Respondents
There are 129 respondents (n=129) for this study. The background of
respondents covers the aspect of sex, racial/ethnic identification, age group and level
of education for the demographic information.
Table 4.1:
Respondents by Location
Location
Frequency
Percentage
Johor Bahru
71
55
Kuala Lumpur
58
45
Total
129
100
RESPONDENTS BY LOCATION
JOHOR
BAHRU
55%
58 Respondents
71 Respondents
KUALA
LUMPUR
45%
Figure 4.1:
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Location
58
Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1 shows the number of respondents and their percentage
related to their location. 129 respondents were sampled, and from this amount, 71
(55%) were from Johor Bahru and 58 (45%) respondents were from Kuala Lumpur.
Table 4.2:
Respondents by Gender (Sex)
Gender
Frequency
Percentage
Male
94
73
Female
35
27
Total
129
100
RESPONDENTS BY GENDER (SEX)
FEMALE
27%
55 Respondents
94 Respondents
MALE
73%
Figure 4.2:
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Gender (Sex)
Table 4.2 and Figure 4.2 shows the number of respondents and their percentage
related to their gender (sex). There were 94 (73%) male and 35 (27%) female.
59
Table 4.3:
Respondents by Race
Race
Frequency
Percentage
Malay
45
35
Chinese
47
36
Indian
37
29
Total
129
100
RESPONDENTS BY RACE
INDIAN
29%
MALAY
35%
37 Respondents
45 Respondents
47 Respondents
CHINESE
36%
Figure 4.3:
Pie Chart represents Respondents by Race
Table 4.3 and Figure 4.3 shows the number of respondents and their percentage
related to their race/ethnic group.
60
Table 4.4:
Respondents by Age Group
Age
Frequency
Percentage
Between 19 – 25
26
20.3
Between 26 – 30
38
29.7
Between 31 – 35
32
25.0
Between 36 – 40
18
14.1
41 and above
14
10.9
Total
128
100.0
RESPONDENTS BY AGE GROUP
38
32
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Figure 4.4:
26
18
14
19-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41 AND
ABOVE
Bar Chart represents Respondents by Age Group
Table 4.4 and Figure 4.4 show the number of respondents related to their age
group.
61
Table 4.5:
Respondents by Level of Education
Education Level
Frequency
Percentage
7
5.7
Vocational/Technical School
6
4.9
Polytechnic
6
4.9
Diploma
30
24.6
Bachelors Degree
62
50.8
Masters Degree
3
2.5
Others (e.g. MCP, MCSE, CCNP)
8
6.6
122
100.0
School Certificate
(SRP/PMR/SPM/STPM/HSE)
Total
RESPONDENTS BY LEVEL OF EDUCATION
70
62
60
50
40
30
Figure 4.5:
POLYTECHNIC
DIPLOMA
MASTERS DEGREE
OTHERS (MCP, MCSE,
CNNA)
CCNP)
0
6
3
6
7
SCHOOL CERT
8
10
BACHELORS DEGREE
20
VOCATIONAL /TECHNICAL
SCHOOL
30
Bar Chart represents Respondents by Level of Education
62
Table 4.5 and Figure 4.5 shows the respondents and their percentage related to
their level of education.
4.1
(ii)
Subject Descriptive Analysis
The analysis for percentage, mean score and standard deviation as a purpose of
exploring the respondents’ perception towards every item included in Section 1 Propensity for Proactive Behaviour, Section 2 - Perceived Desirability and Section 3Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience. The answer format for
Section 1 is strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree and strongly agree. Format for
Section 2 are from strongly dislike to strongly like and for Section 3 would be “Yes”
and “No”. If “Yes” is the choice for the answer, the succeeding selection would be
very negative, negative, neutral, positive and very positive.
Table 4.6:
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered Every
Item in Section 1- Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
Statement
1
I am constantly on the
SD
1
lookout for new ways to
improve my life
2
I feel driven to make a
difference in my
community and maybe
the world
3
I tend to let others take
D
NT
A
SA
7
41
80
0.8%
1
5
5.4%
31.8%
62.0%
31
44
48
0.8%
3.9%
24.0%
34.1%
37.2%
22
41
22
24
20
the initiative to start new
projects
17.1%
31.8%
17.1%
18.6%
15.5%
Mean
SD
4.54
0.67
4.03
0.92
3.16
1.34
63
4
Wherever I have been, I
have been a powerful
force for constructive
change
5
2
1.6%
I enjoy facing and
overcoming obstacles to
Nothing is more exciting
28
50
46
1.6%
21.9%
39.1%
35.9%
2
23
61
42
-
my ideas
6
2
2
1.6%
18.0%
47.7%
32.8%
2
14
52
58
than seeing my ideas turn
into reality
7
If I see something I don’t
like, I fix it
8
1.6%
1.6%
10.9%
40.6%
45.3%
1
1
18
62
45
0.8%
0.8%
14.2%
48.8%
35.4%
2
23
54
49
No matter what the odds,
if I believe in something I
-
will make it happen
9
I love being a champion
1
1.6%
18.0%
42.2%
38.3%
7
28
57
35
for my ideas, even
against others’ opinions
10
I excel at identifying
opportunities
11
12
0.8%
5.5%
21.9%
44.5%
27.3%
1
15
41
46
26
0.8%
11.6%
31.8%
35.7%
20.2%
17
61
46
13.5%
48.4%
36.5%
35
55
36
I am always looking for
2
better ways to do things
1.6%
If I believe in an idea, no
obstacle will prevent me
2
1.6%
27.3%
43.0%
28.1%
1
5
29
61
32
0.8%
3.9%
22.7%
47.7%
25.0%
1
6
44
57
20
from making it happen
13
When I have a problem, I
tackle it head-on
14
I am great at turning
-
problems into
opportunities
15
0.8%
I can spot a good
opportunity long before
34.4%
44.5%
15.6%
11
49
50
19
-
others can
16
4.7%
8.5%
38.0%
38.8%
14.7%
If someone is in trouble, I
1
1
18
71
38
help out in any way I can
0.8%
0.8%
14.0%
55.0%
29.5%
The underlined figure represents the number of respondent
4.06
0.89
4.12
0.75
4.27
0.84
4.17
0.76
4.17
0.77
3.92
0.88
3.63
0.96
4.18
0.78
3.98
0.79
3.92
0.84
3.70
0.82
3.60
0.84
4.12
0.72
64
n=129
SD
D
NT
A
SA
- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly agree
Table 4.7:
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered Every
Item in Section 2-Perceived Desirability
Statement
1
1
How would you feel if
you become an IT
How stressful would it be
as an IT Technopreneur?
3
How enthusiastic would
3
4
5
1
37
37
53
-
Technopreneur?
2
2
9
0.8%
28.9%
28.9%
41.4%
21
55
18
23
7.1%
16.7%
43.7%
14.3%
18.3%
1
2
49
38
36
you be as an IT
Technopreneur?
4
0.8%
How much personal
independence would you
feel as an IT
How much personal
satisfaction would you
get as an IT
38.9%
30.2%
28.6%
6
41
43
36
-
Technopreneur?
5
1.6%
4.8%
32.5%
34.1%
28.6%
3
32
46
45
2.4%
Technopreneur?
25.4%
36.5%
Mean
SD
4.11
0.85
3.20
1.14
3.84
0.89
3.87
0.89
4.06
0.84
35.7%
The underlined figure represents the number of respondent
n=129
Question 1
I’d hate doing it
1
2
3
4
5
I’d love doing it
Question 2
Very Stressful
1
2
3
4
5
Not Stressful at all
Question 3
Not enthusiastic at all
1
2
3
4
5
Very enthusiastic
Question 4
Not independent at all
1
2
3
4
5
Very independent
Question 5
Not much at all
1
2
3
4
5
A great deal
65
Table 4.8a:
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered Every
Item in Section 3-Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience
Statement
1
Have your parents ever been
an IT Technopreneur?
2
Yes
No
Frq
%
Frq
%
4
3.1
124
96.9
83
64.8
45
35.2
68
53.1
60
46.9
69
53.9
59
46.1
18
14.1
110
85.9
62
48.4
66
51.6
48
37.2
81
62.8
19
14.7
110
85.3
Do you know anyone else
who is or has been an IT
Technopreneur?
3
Have you worked for any IT
Technopreneur company or
firm?
4
Have your ever done any IT
activity (i.e., software
development, web page
authoring, e-commerce
application, etc)?
5
Have your parents started a
business other than IT?
6
Do you know anyone else
who has started a business
other than IT?
7
Have you ever worked for a
small business other than IT?
8
Have you ever started your
own business other than IT?
66
Table 4.8b:
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered Every
Item in Section 3-Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience (Degree of Positiveness)
Statement
1
Have your parents ever
been an IT
Technopreneur? (If yes,
was your experience?)
VN
N
NT
P
1
1
1
1
0.8%
0.8%
0.8%
0.8%
5
25
33
NP
Mean
SD
-
0.08
0.48
2.34
1.95
1.87
1.96
1.92
1.92
0.51
1.37
1.69
1.89
1.18
1.67
Do you know anyone
2
else who is or has been
an IT Technopreneur? (If
16
-
yes, was your
3.9%
19.7%
26.0%
12.6%
2
22
28
11
experience?)
3
Have you worked for any
IT Technopreneur
company or firm? (If yes,
was your experience?)
4
1
0.8%
1.6%
17.3%
22.0%
8.7%
8
20
30
10
Have your ever done any
IT activity (i.e., software
development, web page
authoring, e-commerce
6.3%
application, etc)? (If yes,
15.6%
23.4%
7.8%
4
7
5
was your experience?)
5
Have your parents started
a business other than IT?
(If yes, was your
-
-
experience?)
6
3.1%
5.5%
3.9%
33
15
11
Do you know anyone
1
else who has started a
business other than IT?
-
(If yes, was your
0.8%
25.8%
11.7%
8.6%
5
22
15
3
experience?)
7
Have you ever worked
for a small business other
than IT? (If yes, was your
experience?)
3.9%
17.2%
11.7%
2.3%
67
8
Have you ever started
your own business other
than IT? (If yes, was your
experience?)
2
11
5
-
1.6%
8.6%
0.45
1.13
3.9%
The underlined figure represents the number of respondent
n=129
VN
N
NT
P
VP
- Very Negative
- Negative
- Neutral
- Positive
- Very positive
Table 4.9:
The Number and Percentage of Respondents Answered in
Section 4- Percentage of Entrepreneurial Intention
Respondent
Frequency
Percentage
Below 25%
12
11.0
Between 26% - 50%
56
51.4
Between 51% - 75%
25
22.9
76% and above
16
14.7
Total
109
100.0
4.1
(iii)
Level Analysis
These are the Level Analysis with regard to respondents’ perception for
Section 1 - Propensity for Proactive Behaviour, Section 2 - Perceived Desirability
and Section 3 - Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience that are
branched down to three level, lower level, medium level and high level. The
distributions of score for every each of the level are shown below: -
68
Level
Score
1
Low
-
1 through 2.333
2
Medium
-
2.334 through 3.663
3
High
-
3.664 through 5
Table 4.10:
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards Propensity
For Proactive Behaviour
Frequency
Percentage
Low
2
1.6
Medium
29
23.4
High
93
75.0
Total
124
100.0
Level
Table 4.10 displays the perception level of respondents towards propensity for
proactive behaviour. Out of a total of 124 responses, 93 (75.0%) were high
perception towards propensity for proactive behaviour, 29 (23.4%) were medium and
the remainder 2 respondents (1.6%) were low.
Table 4.11:
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards Perceived
Desirability
Frequency
Percentage
Low
2
1.6
Medium
63
50.0
High
61
48.4
Total
126
100.0
Level
69
Table 4.11 displays the perception level of respondents towards perceived
desirability. Out of a total of 126 responses, 61 (48.4%) were high perception
towards perceived desirability, 63 (50.0%) were medium and the remainder 2
respondents (1.6%) were low.
Table 4.12:
Level Analysis of Respondents’ Perception towards Positiveness
of Past Entrepreneurial Experience
Frequency
Percentage
Low
50
70.4
Medium
20
28.2
High
1
1.4
Total
71
100.0
Level
Table 4.12 displays the perception level of respondents towards Positiveness of
Past Entrepreneurial Experience. Out of 71 who responded, 1 (1.4%) was high
perception towards positiveness of entrepreneurial experience, 20 (28.2%) were
medium and the remainder 50 respondents (70.4%) were low.
4.2
Inferential Analysis – i) Correlation
Here are the results of the correlation analysis between perceived desirability
and entrepreneurial intention, between breadth and positiveness of past
entrepreneurial experience and perceived desirability and between breadth and
positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience and perceived desirability.
70
The relationship between two variables were established by Falik (1983) as
0.00 = No Relationship, 0.01-0.20 = Weak Positive, 0.21-0.40 = Low Positive, 0.410.60 = Moderate Positive, 0.61-0.80 = Strong Positive, 0.81-1.00 = Very Strong
Positive and 1.00 = Perfect Positive.
Hypothesis 1:
Perceived Desirability is positively associated with the
formation of Entrepreneurial Intention
Table 4.13: Correlation Analysis between Perceived Desirability and
Entrepreneurial Intentions
Entrepreneurial Intentions
(Correlation value)
Perceived Desirability
0.49**
p=0.001
**Significant at confidence level p<0.01
*Significant at confidence level p<0.05
Table 4.13 shows the correlation between perceived desirability and
entrepreneurial intentions.
From this table, it is shown that the association between perceived desirability
and entrepreneurial intentions are positive, moderate with a correlation value of 0.49,
and significant at level 0.01.
Hypothesis 1 accepted for this analysis. Therefore the following null
hypothesis rejected, Hφ1: Perceived Desirability is not associated with the formation
of entrepreneurial intentions.
71
Hypothesis 2:
The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience is positively associated with Perceived Desirability
Table 4.14: Correlation Analysis between Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience towards Perceived Desirability
Perceived Desirability
(Correlation value)
Breadth And Positiveness Of Past
0.42**
Entrepreneurial Experience
p=0.001
**Significant at confidence level p<0.01
*Significant at confidence level p<0.05
Table 4.14 shows the correlation between breadth and positiveness of past
entrepreneurial experience and perceived desirability.
From this table, it is shown that the association between breadth and
positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience towards perceived desirability are
positive and moderate with a correlation value of 0.42 and significant at level 0.01.
Hypothesis 2 accepted for this analysis. Therefore the following null
hypothesis rejected, Hφ2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
experience is not associated with perceived desirability.
72
Hypothesis 3:
The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively
associated with the formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions
Table 4.15: Correlation Analysis between Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
and Entrepreneurial Intentions
Entrepreneurial Intentions
(Correlation value)
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour
0.21*
p=0.03
**Significant at confidence level p<0.01
*Significant at confidence level p<0.05
Table 4.15 shows the correlation between propensity for proactive behaviour
and entrepreneurial intentions.
From this table, it is shown that the association between propensity for
proactive behaviour and entrepreneurial intentions are positive, low with a
correlation value of 0.21, and significant at level 0.05.
Hypothesis 3 accepted for this analysis. Therefore the following null
hypothesis rejected, Hφ3: The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is not associated
with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
4.2
Inferential Analysis – ii) Comparison
Here are the results of mean score analysis, one-way ANOVA and t-test to
view the difference of respondents’ perception on propensity for proactive behaviour,
perceived desirability and breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience
according to their demographic data (race, education and age).
73
Hypothesis 4:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race.
Table 4.16:
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA as a comparison of
respondents’ perception towards Perceived Desirability related to
Race
Race
Frequency
Mean
SD
Malay
43
3.61
0.64
Chinese
46
3.85
0.76
Indian
37
4.01
0.74
Total
126
3.82
0.73
One-way ANOVA
Sum of
Mean
Squares
Square
2
3.21
1.60
Within groups
123
62.60
0.51
Total
125
65.81
df
Between groups
f
F
prob.
3.15
0.05*
Significant at confidence level f<0.05
Table 4.16 shows the comparison on the respondents’ perception towards
perceived desirability related to race. From this table, the mean score is ranging from
3.61 to 4.01.
Based on One-Way ANOVA, analysis showed significant difference on the
respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability related to race. The ‘f’ value
calculated is 0.05, whereas the fixed significant level is 0.05 (5%). The low value of
‘f’ showed significance. This indicated that there is a significant difference on the
respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability related to race.
74
Least Significant Difference (LSD) test applied to acquire the mean of groups
that are significantly different.
Table 4.17:
LSD test Analysis for comparison of respondents’ perception
towards Perceived Desirability related to Race
Group
Mean
Malay
Chinese
Malay
3.61
-
Chinese
3.85
ns
-
Indian
4.01
*
ns
Indian
-
* Significant at level 0.05; ns – not significant
Table 4.17 shows the results of LSD test analysis for comparison of
respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability related to race. Based in the
LSD test analysis, it is found that there are significant differences between groups
mean Malay and Indian.
Hypothesis 4 accepted for this analysis. Therefore the following null
hypothesis rejected, Hφ4: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race.
75
Hypothesis 5:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
Table 4.18:
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA as a comparison of
respondents’ perception towards Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race
Race
Frequency
Mean
SD
Malay
44
1.29
1.08
Chinese
47
1.19
1.01
Indian
36
1.29
0.98
Total
127
1.25
1.02
One-way ANOVA
Sum of
Mean
Df
Squares
Square
2
0.30
0.15
Within groups
124
130.90
1.06
Total
126
131.20
Between groups
f
F
prob.
0.14
0.87
Significant at confidence level f<0.05
Table 4.18 shows the comparison on the respondents’ perception towards
breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience related to race. From this
table, the mean score is ranging from 1.19 to 1.29.
Based on One-Way ANOVA, analysis showed no significant difference on
the respondents’ perception towards breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial
experience related to race. The ‘f’ value calculated is 0.87, whereas the fixed
76
significant level is 0.05 (5%). The extremely high value of ‘f’ showed no
significance. This indicated that there is no significant difference on the respondents’
perception towards breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience
related to race.
Hypothesis 5 rejected for this analysis. Therefore the following null
hypothesis accepted, Hφ5: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
Hypothesis 6:
There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
Table 4.19:
Mean Score Analysis and One-Way ANOVA Comparison of
Respondents’ perception towards Propensity for Proactive
Behaviour related to Race
Race
Frequency
Mean
SD
Malay
43
3.87
0.53
Chinese
45
3.96
0.64
Indian
36
4.13
0.47
Total
129
3.98
0.56
One-way ANOVA
Sum of
Mean
df
Squares
Square
2
1.35
0.67
Within groups
121
37.71
0.31
Total
123
39.06
Between groups
Significant at confidence level f<0.05
f
F
prob.
2.16
0.12
77
Table 4.19 displays the comparison on the respondents’ perception towards
propensity for proactive behaviour related to race. From this table, the mean score is
from 3.87 to 4.13.
Based on to One-Way ANOVA, the analysis showed no significant difference
on the respondents’ perception towards propensity for proactive behaviour related to
race. The ‘f’ value calculated is 0.12, where as the fixed significant level is 0.05
(5%). The extremely high value of ‘f’ doesn’t show any significance. This indicated
that there are no significant differences on the perception of propensity for proactive
behaviour related to race.
Hypothesis 6 rejected for this analysis. Therefore the following null hypothesis
accepted, Hφ6: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards Propensity
for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
4.3
Chapter Summary
This chapter presented the analysis for the current study. It covers the results
that are branched in two subsections that are I) Results on Descriptive survey and II)
Inferential Analysis.
The descriptive survey, the percentage, mean, standard deviation and level
analysis on respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability, breadth and
positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience, propensity for proactive behaviour
and entrepreneurial intentions are analyzed.
In the subject inferential analysis, correlation that associates the variables
tested is shown. This follows the mean score results and one-way ANOVA to view
the respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability, breadth and positiveness
78
of past entrepreneurial experience, propensity for proactive behaviour and
entrepreneurial intentions in relation to their race.
CHAPTER V
DISCUSSION
5.0
Introduction
This chapter presents an in-depth discussion of the results and implications of
the current study. First, the findings for each of the hypothesis are reviewed with
possible explanations why some of the expected relationships were not found. Next,
implications of the findings for the research model are discussed. The theoretical and
practical implications of the study were then examined. Next, the limitations of the
study are reviewed. Finally, directions for future research conclude this chapter.
5.1
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 1
Based on hypothesis 1, it is expected that the perceived desirability of starting
a business would be positively associated with the formation of entrepreneurial
intentions. That is people who have a positive attitude toward starting a business and
thinks that starting a business is a desirable behaviour will likely form
entrepreneurial intentions to do so. This relationship is supported in the study. The
results of this study were consistent with prior research that investigated attitude
toward a behaviour and the formation of intentions (e.g., Ajzen, 1991). The support
80
for hypothesis 1 indicates that perceived desirability of entrepreneurship has a
significant and positive relationship to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
Hypothesis 1 accepted; Perceived Desirability is positively associated with
the formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions. Therefore the following null hypothesis
rejected, Hφ1: Perceived Desirability is not associated with the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions.
Race
(Ethnic Group)
H5
H4
H6
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
H2 0.42**
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Perceived
Desirability
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
H1 0.49**
H3
0.21*
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
**Significant at confidence level p<0.01
*Significant at confidence level p<0.05
Figure 5.1: Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event with Hypothesis
and Correlation Magnitude for Hypothesis 1 through 3
81
5.2
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 2
Another area of investigation of the current study was examination of the
factors that may relate to the formation of perceived desirability. Hypothesis 2
proposed that the breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience would
be positively related to the formation of favourable perceptions of perceived
desirability.
The results, did confirm that breadth and positiveness relation between
perceived desirability and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience.
Specifically, perceived desirability was not related to the quantity of experience
appeared to be.
The results of the current study concerning breadth and positiveness of past
entrepreneurial experience were consistent with findings of Krueger (1993).
Hypothesis 2 accepted; The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience is positively associated with Perceived Desirability. Therefore the
following null hypothesis rejected, Hφ2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past
Entrepreneurial experience is not associated with perceived desirability.
5.3
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 3
Shapero’s (1982) model of the entrepreneurial event suggested that it would
be difficult to form intentions to start a business without a strong desire to take action
on the intentions. In the current study, hypothesis 3 predicted that a person with a
proactive personality (i.e., a propensity for proactive behaviour) would likely to
develop intentions to engage in entrepreneurship. That is, a person who feels
82
unconstrained by situational and environmental forces and who is willing to seek
opportunity, show initiative, take action, and persevere until closure, is likely to form
intentions to start a business. The findings of the current study support this
hypothesis.
These findings are consistent with results from another recent entrepreneurial
studies. Crant (1996) found a positive relationship between a person with a proactive
personality and his or her success as an entrepreneur.
Hypothesis 3 accepted; The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively
associated with the formation of Entrepreneurial Intentions. Therefore the following
null hypothesis rejected, Hφ3: The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is not
associated with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
83
H5
0.87
Race
(Ethnic Group)
H4
0.05*
H6 0.12
Social
Support
Trigger
Event
H2
Breadth &
Positiveness of
Past
Entrepreneurial
Experience
Perceived
Desirability
Propensity for
Proactive
Behaviour
H1
H3
Entrepreneurial
Intentions
Perceived
Feasibility
*Significant at confidence level f<0.05
Figure 5.2: Shapero’s (1982) Model of Entrepreneurial Event with ‘f’ value
based on ANOVA for Hypothesis 4 through 6
84
5.4
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 4
Table 5.1: Summary for comparison of respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race
Group
Mean
Malay
Chinese
Malay
3.61
-
Chinese
3.85
ns
-
Indian
4.01
*
ns
Indian
-
* Significant at confidence level f<0.05; ns – not significant
The table above shows that there is a significant difference on the
respondents’ perception towards perceived desirability in relation to race. Based on
the test, it was found that there is significant differences between groups mean Malay
and Indian.
As for the relationship mentioned, perceive achievements are very important
to Indians. This affected their desire that starting a business to be very attractive.
According to Charles (1990), Indian is the highest among other ethnic groups that
82.3% agreed values of perceive achievement in education as important to one’s
future. The magnitude of education contributes to entrepreneurship endeavour.
A literature suggests that a relationship exists between entrepreneurship
education and business venturing. Graduates who are exposed to entrepreneurship
concepts and the practical ff of preparing a business plan during their study were
found to enter business ownership at a noticeably higher rate than their peers of
similar age (Wilberforce, 2001).
85
According to a survey done in 1990 by Charles, Indians rate “decisiveness”
as the number 1 strongest value compared to Malays that rated the same value as
number 2. The decisiveness provides determination and desire to start a business
venture.
Hypothesis 4 accepted; There is a difference on respondents’ perception
towards Perceived Desirability related to Race. Therefore the following null
hypothesis rejected, Hφ4: There is no difference on respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race.
5.5
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 5
Based on the analysis, it was found that there is no significant difference on
the respondents’ perception towards breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial
experience related to race.
Hypothesis 5 rejected; There is a difference on respondents’ perception
towards Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related to Race.
Therefore the following null hypothesis accepted, Hφ5: There is no difference on
respondents’ perception towards Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
Experience related to Race.
5.6
Hypothesized Relationships- Hypothesis 6
Based on the analysis, it is found that there is no significant difference on the
respondents’ perception towards propensity for proactive behaviour related to race.
86
Hypothesis 6 rejected; There is a difference on respondents’ perception
towards Propensity for Proactive Behaviour related to Race. Therefore the following
null hypothesis accepted, Hφ6: There is no difference on respondents’ perception
towards Propensity for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
Table 5.2 :
Summary of Hypotheses Tested
Summary of Hypotheses Tested
Hypotheses
Accepted/
H1: Perceived Desirability is positively associated with the
formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
H2: The Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial
experience is positively associated with perceived desirability.
H3: The Propensity for Proactive Behaviour is positively associated
with the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
H4: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Perceived Desirability related to Race.
Rejected
A
A
A
A
H5: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience related
R
to Race.
H6: There is a difference on respondents’ perception towards
Propensity for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
A
=
statistically accepted
R
=
statistically rejected
5.7
Implications of the Study
R
This study provided the comparison for the three major ethnic groups in
relation to their entrepreneurial intention. The Shapero’s (1982) model of
87
entrepreneurial event was modified to combine with race as the theoretical
foundation for the study. By analyzing intention-based models with relation to ethnic
identification, the study provided greater understanding of the birth of a new firm.
Because entrepreneurial activity is such a significant part of today’s economy
(Zainab Ahmad, et al., 1997), a better understanding of the birth of business provided
by the current study has important implications for theoretical investigations by
researchers as well as a practical application by entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship
educators, and policy makers.
Based on the study, there was no difference between the three ethnic groups
in relation to their breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience and
propensity for proactive behaviour. This represents the strength of their values are
similar and leads more to a common cultural understanding.
5.8
Theoretical Implications
A unique aspect of the current study was the use of a sample of individuals,
which are IT Technopreneurs. Unlike prior research that investigated the formation
of entrepreneurial intentions in a general sense, this study used specific
entrepreneurial activity. As a result, the findings of this study, which support the
positive association between entrepreneurial intentions and perceived desirability and
propensity for proactive behaviour found in prior research (Crant, 1996), show that
these relationship are significant for specific entrepreneurial activity (IT
Technopreneur) as well as entrepreneurship in general. The findings suggest that
perceived desirability and propensity for proactive behaviour are both useful for
88
research into general perceptions of entrepreneurial intentions and intentions to form
specific business enterprises.
Results of the current study may also provide additional insight into the
formation of intention that is directly influenced by their ethnicity in Malaysia. It is
found in this study that there is a significant difference on respondents’ perception
towards perceived desirability related to race. This is due to the their perception of
educational importance for life, and this has affected their desire that starting a
business to be very attractive. Although, there were no other significant relationship
between race and their breadth and positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience
and propensity for proactive behaviour, this actually contributes to the oneness of
three major ethnic groups in Malaysia. These three major ethnic groups have the
proactive behaviour, perceived desirability and breadth and positiveness of past
experience towards their intention for the formation of MSC Status Company. This
contributes to the existence of common cultural attributes of Malaysian IT
technopreneurs.
Both the Ajzen (1991) model of planned behaviour and the Shapero (1982)
model of entrepreneurial event suggest that past experience influence attitudes about
specific behaviours. The current study provided support for the relationship between
positiveness of past experience and perceived desirability. That is, people tend to
focus on perceptions of how positive the experience was. Consequently,
entrepreneurship researchers may be able to concentrate only on the positive
perceptions of past experience to fully understand the entrepreneurial process.
In summary, there are several benefits to entrepreneurial theory suggested by
the current study. Because many of the respondents used in this study were in the
process of choosing the specific entrepreneurial activity of IT Technopreneur, the
89
positive relationship between the formation of intentions and perceived desirability
and propensity for proactive behaviour that were found in prior generic
entrepreneurial intentions research were supported for specific entrepreneurial
activity (i.e., IT business). Perceptions of the desirability of entrepreneurship were
positively related to the degree of the evaluation of past entrepreneurial experience.
5.9
Practical Implications
Entrepreneurship is essential to the health of Malaysia’s economy because
small firms accounts of the gross domestic product and provide higher percent of all
new jobs. Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) has identified strategic
thrust included in the second flagship aimed on the development of technopreneurs
and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)(Dr Mohamed Arif Nun, 2001Computimes).
The results of the current study provide practitioners such as entrepreneurs,
entrepreneurs’ educators, and policy makers with a variety of practical implications
that may aid in the development of vital entrepreneurial activity. By understanding
how entrepreneurial intentions were formed, practitioners may be able to take
advantage of the strong intention-behaviour relationship to foster new firm creation.
The results of the current study indicate that people who have a propensity for
proactive behavior are more likely to form high entrepreneurial intentions that those
who are not proactive. This would indicate that one way to detect potential
entrepreneurs is to find individuals with a proactive personality.
One may question the practical implications of a simple personality measure
to select potential entrepreneurs. This is a reasonable concern considering that past
90
entrepreneurship research has concentrated primarily on traits (e.g., personality), and
has had limited success in explaining entrepreneurship process (Gartner, 1988).
Gartner (1988) posits that what entrepreneurs do may explain more of the
entrepreneuship process than which may entrepreneurs are. Because propensity for
proactive behaviour links personality to potential behaviour, it may provide the
bridge between the two streams of research and thus, provide a useful predictive tool.
A major practical implication of the current study is that by knowing how
intentions are formed, it may be possible to manipulate the process to encourage
entrepreneurial behaviour. For example, with the potential to influence intentions is
the perceived desirability of entrepreneurship. The current study suggests that
positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience relate to the formation of perceptions
of desirability. For example, by educating family and friends of potential
entrepreneurs about the value of entrepreneurship, perceptions of desirability could
be positively influenced. Establishing mentor or incubator programs would be an
additional method for enhancing perceptions of desirability through positive social
support.
The positiveness of past experience could be enhanced by providing positive
exposure to entrepreneurship through either observation or direct contact. For
example, individuals could be introduced to successful entrepreneurs who share their
positive experiences. Providing intern programs so they could work directly with
successful business people could encourage potential entrepreneurs. These kinds of
actions could enhance perceptions of desirability leading to the formation of
entrepreneurial intentions.
Overall, the potential to take advantage of the relationship that was supported
in this study are many. Understanding how entrepreneurial intentions were formed
91
could allow practitioners a vast array of opportunity to encourage entrepreneurial
activity.
5.10
Limitations of the Study
Because all the information in the current study was collected from selfreports questionnaire, the potential for common methods variance was great. Arlene
Fink (1995) suggests this is particularly true when two or more measures are taken
from the same respondent (same source bias), as was the case in the current study.
Because of the nature of the current research study, data for the variables can
only be obtained by the use of self-reports. All the variables in the study are
measuring individual perceptions; therefore, the only way to collect the information
is to ask the respondents. The current study is similar to other studies that have had to
rely completely on self-reports for data collection (i.e., Crant, 1996)
A procedural techniques suggested by Fink (1995) were employed to help
minimize the impact of common methods variance. First, measures contained in the
questionnaire were constructed using different scaling techniques such as 5 point
scale (ordinals), “yes”/”no” responses (nominally), and open-ended responses (i.e.,
numerically)(see Appendix B). In addition, the scales were not arranged in any
particular order. For example, the dependent variable (entrepreneurial intentions) is
not the first variable, but is located in the middle of the questionnaire.
Two observations, however, may help provide more confidence in the study’s
results. First, some of the findings of the current study are consistent with past
research. The significant positive relationship between propensity for proactive
behaviour and entrepreneurial intentions was consistent with research by Krueger,
92
(1993) and Crant (1996) that used similar constructs. The significant positive
relationships found in the current study between perceived desirability and intentions
and between positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience and perceived
desirability were consistent with research by Krueger (1993).
The second observation is that people in the sample were consistent in their
perceptions. That is, people in the IT business answered consistently. Those who
were not interested in venturing, as a MSC status company was consistent in their
negative responses about becoming a MSC status company just as those subjects
who wanted to be honored the MSC status were consistent in their positive
responses. This indicates that people were answering according to their perceptions
and not because of social desirability.
It should be noted, however, that one of the primary strengths of the current
study is that it does focus on individuals who are in the process of making a specific
entrepreneurial decision. As mentioned previously, this addresses the problem in
previous entrepreneurial research of including individuals in the sample who are not
engaged in making an entrepreneurial decision. This approach to sampling brings the
validity of the findings into question (Gartner, 1989).
5.11
Direction for Future Research
Future research could be directed down to four different paths. First, there is
opportunity to improve the current study and refine the research model especially
related to cultural differences. Second, additional research should be conducted that
is directed at assessing the effect of manipulating the various variables that relates to
the formation of intentions to either encourage or discourage entrepreneurial
93
behaviour. Third, the value of the current research depends on the strength of the
intention-behaviour relationship. This relationship needs further study. Finally,
research linking the research model to ultimate success of the business would be a
long-term goal.
Several avenues of research could be employed to improve the current study
and better improve the research model. A larger sample could be used to detect
smaller effect sizes in some of the hypothesized relationship. Some of the concepts
and measures could be refined to provide information that is more specific. For
example, future research could focus on developing a self-efficacy assessment that
could identify the specific skills, abilities, and resources that have most impact on the
formation of intentions. Opportunity search also should be taken into account as a
powerful contribution of entrepreneurial intention. A more finely defined measure of
the impact of the positiveness of past experience should be developed that would
enable researchers to identify what kind of experience have the greatest relationship
to perceived desirability.
A persistent weakness of past entrepreneurship research has been the inability
to select a sample of individuals serious about entrepreneurial activity who are in the
process of making a decision about starting a business (Gartner, 1989). This study
attempted to solve this weakness by selecting a sample in which some were actually
in the process of making entrepreneurial decision concerning becoming a MSC status
company. Future research, however, needs to expand this type of study to include
individuals considering entrepreneurial activity that requires constant innovation in
areas such as decision support system, artificial intelligence and expert systems
processes. Such innovations were often considered necessary for entrepreneurship.
94
Future researchers should investigate how the manipulation of the variables
in the research model would influence the formation of entrepreneurial intentions.
Researchers could determine if exposure to successful entrepreneurs, basic skills
training, or development of social networks aids in raising the intentions to form a
new business. In addition, researchers could determine if one type of manipulation
has more impact than other types (e.g., Does skill training have more influence than
cultural values?). The research opportunities along this avenue are almost limitless.
The value of the current research model is dependent on the strength of the
intention-behaviour relationship. Entrepreneurial intentions have little use if they are
not acted upon. Therefore, future research should more fully investigate this
relationship. If a sample was used that contained individuals serious about
entrepreneurship, then the subjects could be included in a longitudinal study to see
whether they actually started the business they intended to start. A strong intentionbehaviour relationship would help bridge the gap between the pre start-up phase and
start-up phase in the business life cycle.
Further researches are essential to find out the new attributes for the three
major ethnic groups in Malaysia. As for this millennium, the differences among these
races are getting minimal. They tend to share and accommodate their cultural values
and harness them as Malaysian values.
The effect of globalization also plays a vital role in transforming the
conventional Malaysian culture to a new millennium culture. The borderless world
changed the way people work, thinks, acts and behave. We still have to look for the
answer for question such as “Do we still have strong cultural values among us?” or
“How does globalization change our entrepreneurs?” or “Does the entrepreneur still
95
stick to their own cultural values for decision making in this fast paced borderless
world?”
Finally, future research should investigate the relationship between the initial
pre start-up conditions described in the research model and long-term firm success.
For example, research questions such as, “Do individuals with a proactive
personality have a better chance of success than others?” or “Does strong initial
social support lead to firm success?” or “Do people who have a high self efficacy
assessment produce better long-term results?” Questions similar to “Does culture
plays an important role for success?” or “Does the definition of success are similar to
every culture?” would be important questions for further research. Again, the
opportunity for future research along these lines is great and almost limitless.
5.12
Chapter Summary
The primary purpose of the study was to be an exploratory effort where the
relationships among personal traits and characteristics of the entrepreneur along with
predisposing events relate to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. A research
model based on Shapero’s (1982) model of entrepreneurial event was expanded with
six hypothesized relationship. This chapter begins with a discussion of the results of
the six proposed relationship.
Four of the six relationships supported. Perceived desirability is positively
related to entrepreneurial intentions. Positiveness of past entrepreneurial experience
is positively related to the perceived desirability. A propensity for proactive
behaviour is related to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions. There are
differences on respondents’ perception towards Perceived Desirability related to
Race.
96
Two of the six relationships rejected. There is difference on respondents’
perception towards Breadth and Positiveness of Past Entrepreneurial Experience
related to Race. There is difference on respondents’ perception towards Propensity
for Proactive Behaviour related to Race.
The discussion of the hypotheses was followed by implications for the
research model.
Next, the chapter presented both theoretical and practical implications of the
study. The following section discussed the limitations of the study with particular
attention to the potential threat of common methods variance. The chapter concludes
with a proposed research agenda to improve the current study and expand the scope
of the current study to answer a variety of other research questions.
97
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APPENDIX B
QUESTIONNAIRE
Introduction: I would appreciate your cooperation in a research project I am conducting
about becoming an Information Communication Technology Entrepreneur (IT Technopreneur).
Please take your time to fill out this questionnaire as accurately as possible. All responses will be
on strictest confidence.
SECTION 1
To what extent do you agree with the following statement? Please circle the appropriate number.
Neutral
Strongly
Strongly
1. I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to improve my
life.
2. I feel driven to make a difference in my community, and
maybe the world.
3. I tend to let others take the initiative to start new projects.
4. Wherever I have been, I have been a powerful force for
constructive change.
5. I enjoy facing and overcoming obstacles to my ideas.
6. Nothing is more exciting than seeing my ideas turn into
reality.
7. If I see something I don’t like, I fix it.
8. No matter what the odds, if I believe in something I will
make it happen
9. I love being a champion for my ideas, even against others’
opinions.
10. I excel at identifying opportunities.
11. I am always looking for better ways to do things.
12. If I believe in an idea, no obstacle will prevent me from
making it happen.
13. When I have a problem, I tackle it head-on.
14. I am great at turning problems into opportunities.
15. I can spot a good opportunity long before others can.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Next page please…
16. If someone is in trouble, I help out in any way I can.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
SECTION 2
Please circle the appropriate number.
1. How would you feel if you become an IT Technopreneur?
I’d hate doing it
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
I’d love doing it
2. How stressful would it be as an IT Technopreneur?
Very stressful
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Not stressful at all
3. How enthusiastic would you be as an IT Technopreneur?
Not enthusiastic at all (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Very enthusiastic
4. How much personal independence would you feel as an IT Technopreneur?
Not independent at all (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Very independent
5. How much personal satisfaction would you get as an IT Technopreneur?
Not much at all
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
A great deal
SECTION 3
Please answer the following by circling either “yes” or “no” and, “if yes”, using your best
judgment, circle how “positive” or “negative” the experience was in the question that follows. Be
sure to circle “1=very negative”, “2=negative”, “3=Neutral”, “4=positive”, or “5= very positive” if
your first answer is “yes”.
Very
Neutral
Very
Negative
Positive
1. Have your parents ever been an IT Technopreneur?
Yes
No
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
If yes, was your experience? (Circle one)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
4. Have you ever done any IT activity (i.e., software development,
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
If yes, was their experience? (Circle one)
2. Do you know anyone else who is or has been an
IT Technopreneur?
Yes
No
If yes, was his or her experience? (Circle one)
3. Have you worked for any IT Technopreneur company or firm?
Yes
No
web page authoring, e-commerce application, etc)?
Yes
No
If yes, was your experience? (Circle one)
5. Have your parents started a business other than IT?
Yes
No
If yes, was their experience? (Circle one)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
6. Do you know anyone else who has started a business other than
IT?
Yes
No
If yes, was his or her experience? (Circle one)
7. Have you ever worked for a small business other than IT?
Yes
No
If yes, was your experience? (Circle one)
8. Have you ever started your own business other than IT?
Yes
No
If yes, was your experience? (Circle one)
SECTION 4
On a scale of 0% to 100% there is a
% chance that I will venture into IT Business to be honored
the MSC Status Company in the near future.
Note:
If your business awarded the MSC Status at present, please write “A” at the space above.
Please be sure you have marked the answers chosen.
SECTION 5
Please provide information about yourself
1. Sex:
(M)ale
2. Racial / Ethnic Identification
(Please Circle)
(F)emale
3. Age:
(e) Bumiputera Sarawak
(f) Others, please specify:
(a) Malay
(b) Chinese
(c) Indian
(d) Bumiputera Sabah
4. Education (Please Circle)
(a) School
Certificate
(SRP/PMR,
SPM or STPM)
(e) Bachelors Degree
(f) Masters Degree
(b) Vocational/Technical School
(g) PhD
(c) Polytechnic
(h) Others, please specify:
(d) Diploma
I would like to follow-up with you in the near future (1-2 months). This will permit me to provide
you with the findings and statistics of this survey. If you volunteer for a follow up please provide the
Next page please…
following:
Name
:
Address
:
Phone Number
:
E-Mail Address
:
I would like to convey my deepest gratitude for your precious time and effort to answer this
questionnaire. Hope for the best in entrepreneurship endeavor. Best of Luck to you too.
Thank You