The Entrepreneurial Journey: Levels, Dimensions, and Dynamics of Action among Ghanaian University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Against the backdrop of global economic shifts, entrepreneurship emerges as a promising solution to pressing challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana. However, despite the nation's entrepreneurial potential, many Ghanaian university students with intentions to embark on entrepreneurial ventures find themselves unable to translate these intentions into actionable business actions. Objective: This study sought to investigate the correlation between entrepreneurial intentions and subsequent actions among Ghanaian university students, while also examining the various levels, dimensions, and dynamics of their entrepreneurial endeavours. Methods: The study employed a mixed-method approach, utilising structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of 927 final-year university students from various institutions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was analysed through SPSS, Excel, AMOS for SEM, and thematic analysis techniques. Results: The quantitative model accounted for only 4% of the variance in Entrepreneurial Action, implying that in this area, the "intention-action gap" is very much present. Contrary to established theory, Subjective Norms negatively affected the action; hence, Attitudes (Instrumental and Affective) were non-significant predictors. There are three major findings and contributions: First, the study provides strong empirical evidence that traditional intention-based models, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, are inadequate for explaining entrepreneurial behaviour in this context. Secondly, the study identifies that contextual factors, specifically gender (males being more engaged) and family entrepreneurial background, act as stronger drivers of action than personal attitudes. Thirdly, qualitative data suggest that the key barriers to action include financial constraints and educational demands, while personal ambition remains the primary catalyst. Conclusion: The primary contribution of this research is to contest the direct application of Western entrepreneurial intention models to Ghanaian higher education. The findings showed that the development of entrepreneurial attitudes without removing contextual impediments such as social pressure and access to finance is ineffective. Therefore, we argue that educational and policy interventions should move beyond the cultivation of intention and give concrete, actionable support that addresses the actual socio-economic constraints facing Ghanaian youth.