A Study of the Effects of Perceived Support Model on Entrepreneurship Intentions among the Omani Youngsters

Entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth development are some of the key themes in Oman vision 2040. Aligned with these themes is the need for entrepreneurship development among youngsters especially the educated youngsters. Keeping in view this need and relatively scant literature, the investigation of factors that can influence positively or negatively on entrepreneurship intentions among Omani youngsters is the central theme of this study. The study utilizes the entrepreneurship support model by Turker and Selcuk (2008). Accordingly, the study objectives are to test the influence of the perceived support (educational, relational, structural) model on entrepreneurship intentions among Omani youngsters. In terms of research methodology, the proposed methodology is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and explanatory research design. For data collection, a survey is used based on previously developed measures. The survey is distributed among Omani youngsters (age range of 20 to 30 years) with the help of research assistants (n=662). The reliability of the study is tested using the Cronbach alpha and the Composite reliability; while, validity is established using convergent validity (through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Factor Loadings, and Average Variance Extracted); and discriminant validity. The key results are that the perceived educational support (β=-.022, P>.05); and perceived relational support (β=-.013, P>.05) have insignificant effects on entrepreneurship intention while the perceived structural support has positive and significant effects on entrepreneurial intention (β=.088, P<.05). The findings partially support the perceived support model in this context. A number of recommendations were put forward based on the results.