Entrepreneurial attitude in female Latin American university students: internal and external influences

Purpose The aim of this study is to examine the influence of locus of control, the university environment and the social environment on the entrepreneurial attitude of female Latin American university students. Design/methodology/approach The study applies a quan–qual design. The quan section analyzes the data of 10,781 female university students from 11 Latin American countries included in the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey 2018. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied. The qual section applies in-depth interviews for sequential methodological triangulation analysis. Findings The evidence indicates that locus of control, the university environment and the social environment positively impact the entrepreneurial attitude of female Latin American university students. The most influential factor was locus of control. Originality/value This empirical study focuses on female university students and their propensity for business venturing and determines the main influences on their entrepreneurial attitudes.