Influencing factors for future youth

Abstract

The transport industry is currently facing numerous challenges, such as the difficult economic situation South Africa finds itself in, manifested in lower levels of discretionary spending of consumers, and associated margin pressures on the industry as a whole. The stubbornly high levels of youth unemployment have caught the attention of the South African government, as the status quo also forms part of the problematic socio-economic situation. Promoting youth entrepreneurship within the transport industry can positively contribute to alleviating some of the challenges the youth face, such as unemployment and lack of job prospects. This study investigates the factors influencing youth entrepreneurial intent, framed for the South African transport industry. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of a systematic review approach. The data was analysed by means of a thematic content analysis. The research contributes a conceptual framework highlighting prominent factors influencing youth entrepreneurial intent and applies this to the Southern African transport industry. The value of the research lies in its ability to clarify prominent influencing factors, which can be addressed by policy-makers, and the industry alike. Results indicate that the conceptual framework has three prominent components, namely environmental factors, available initiatives and individual factors influencing entrepreneurial intent. Policy-makers have the most influence on available initiatives and environmental factors, and the least on individual factors. The transport industry has the potential to create an enabling environment that fosters the attraction and absorption of youth entrepreneurs, while at the same time transforming the industry.