The impact of entrepreneurship extracurricular activities on entrepreneurial behaviors

Purpose This study applies the theory of planned behavior to investigate the influence of entrepreneurship extracurricular activities on the shaping of entrepreneurial behaviors. The study also aims to deepen knowledge in this field by highlighting the moderating role of the academic major in differentiating this influence. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 1,216 university students in Vietnam. A bootstrapping procedure and multi-group analysis were used to test for mediating and moderating effects. Findings The research findings show that participation in entrepreneurship extracurricular activities positively and significantly influences entrepreneurial attitude, perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviors. Academic major moderates the relationship of entrepreneurship extracurricular activities with entrepreneurial intention, as well as with entrepreneurial behaviors. This study provides several solutions for higher education to encourage entrepreneurship among students. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature on the role of entrepreneurship extracurricular activities in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions and behavior. Academic major plays a moderator role in these relations.