Entrepreneurial Intention: A Cross-National Study of Psychological, Cultural, and Contextual Determinants

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a key driver of innovation, employment generation, and economic development; however, entrepreneurial intention is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, cultural, experiential, and contextual factors. This study investigates the determinants of entrepreneurial intention among individuals from different national contexts, with a specific focus on respondents from India and the United States. Drawing on a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 71 respondents, the study constructs composite measures for entrepreneurial intention, psychological traits, fear factors, and cultural influence and examines their effects using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression models, and group comparisons. The empirical findings indicate that psychological traits such as adaptability, autonomy, resilience, and risk-taking propensity are the strongest positive predictors of entrepreneurial intention. In contrast, fear factors including fear of failure, financial loss, and social discouragement exert a significant negative influence, acting as key psychological barriers to entrepreneurial motivation. Prior business ownership is also associated with higher entrepreneurial intention, highlighting the importance of experiential learning in shaping entrepreneurial confidence and aspiration. While cultural influence is positively associated with psychological traits, it does not directly predict entrepreneurial intention, suggesting an indirect rather than direct role. Additionally, country of residence significantly affects entrepreneurial intention, with respondents based in the United States exhibiting lower entrepreneurial inclination compared to those in other countries, likely reflecting differences in opportunity structures and institutional environments. Overall, the study emphasizes that entrepreneurial intention is primarily driven by individual psychological preparedness and prior experience, while contextual and cultural factors play a more indirect role in shaping entrepreneurial motivation.