Factors preventing the youth from translating entrepreneurial intention into entrepreneurial action in South Africa

Abstract

Promoting entrepreneurship has been proven to have an impact on advancing economic growth, creating job opportunities, and addressing socio-economic conditions. In a country with high inequalities, low economic growth, and high unemployment more so amongst the youth, entrepreneurship must be promoted and supported. Scholars and many countries in Europe have adopted the introduction of entrepreneurship education to develop and create entrepreneurial mindsets among young individuals. Multiple scholars have acknowledged and found empirical evidence on the key role entrepreneurship education plays in positively impacting entrepreneurial intentions and have acknowledged that entrepreneurial intentions do not automatically lead to entrepreneurial actions (Audretsch et al., 2022; Doanh, 2021; Gieure, 2020; Meoli et al., 2020; Zwane, 2023). However, the scholars also agree on the fact that actions do not take place without intentions. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that hinder translation of entrepreneurial intentions into entrepreneurial actions. To facilitate the data gathering and analysis process, 12 youth participants who attended entrepreneurship education programmes were interviewed. The data was analysed into codes then into themes. The findings revealed that the lack of societal trust, negative perceptions, economic uncertainty, and the fear of failure were the key barriers that prevent the youth from pursuing entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial role models, and networking enabled the participants that are pursuing entrepreneurship to transition from intentions to actions.