Title: Factors affecting young people's intentions to engage in digital entrepreneurship: an analysis employing the theory of planned behaviour

Authors: Lutfije Ademi; Veland Ramadani; Sadudin Ibraimi; Suhejla Idrizi

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Economics, South East European University, Tetovo, 1200, North Macedonia ' Faculty of Business and Economics, South East European University, Tetovo, 1200, North Macedonia ' Faculty of Business and Economics, South East European University, Tetovo, 1200, North Macedonia ' Faculty of Contemporary Sciences and Technologies, South East European University, Tetovo, 1200, North Macedonia

Abstract: This study investigates how theory of planned behaviour (TPB) antecedents - subjective norms (SN), attitude toward behaviour (ATB), and perceived behaviour control (PBC) - impact digital entrepreneurial ambitions among young people in North Macedonia. Conducted using structural equation modelling via Smart PLS4, the study includes 154 participants who are young residents studying or working in North Macedonia or abroad. Results indicate that SN and ATB significantly influence digital entrepreneurship intention (DEI) among North Macedonian youth. PBC also affects intention but is not statistically significant. The study's findings are limited to university students and do not generalise to non-university attending youth. Notably, the research does not explore factors like general knowledge or prior experience. Despite these limitations, the study enhances understanding of TPB antecedents on DEI, offering theoretical and practical insights for digital entrepreneurship literature in North Macedonia and guiding educational institutions and start-up labs in supporting new entrepreneurs.

Keywords: TPB; theory of planned behaviour; digital entrepreneurship; DEI; digital entrepreneurial intention; ATB; attitude towards behaviour; subjective norms; PBC; perceived behaviour control; North Macedonia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCLM.2025.144700

International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, 2025 Vol.4 No.1, pp.83 - 105

Received: 16 Dec 2024
Accepted: 09 Jan 2025
Published online: 27 Feb 2025 *

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