The effect of subjective norms, attitude and start-up capital on the entrepreneurial intention of the Indigenous people in Malaysia

Purpose This research aims to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions among the Indigenous Bisaya individuals, focusing on the interplay between subjective norms, attitude toward entrepreneurship and the moderating effect of start-up capital. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a quantitative approach for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from 205 Bisaya individuals residing in four cities in Sarawak through a questionnaire survey. The data were then analyzed using the partial least squares path modeling technique. Findings The findings reveal a positive relationship between subjective norms and both attitude toward entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the study establishes a positive relationship between attitude toward entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. Notably, start-up capital is found to moderate these relationships, specifically by negatively moderating the relationship between subjective norms and entrepreneurial intention. This indicates that the influence of subjective norms on entrepreneurial intention is stronger when start-up capital is modest. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of cultural and economic factors in shaping entrepreneurial behavior within indigenous communities, providing valuable insights for policymakers and support programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among the Bisaya people. Originality/value This research is one of the first studies to focus on the entrepreneurial intention of the Indigenous Bisaya people in Sarawak, Malaysia. It also contributes to the literature by examining the moderating role of start-up capital in the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and its key predictors.