Abstract:
A decision to start a business is persuaded not only by individual characteristics but also
through socialization. Inspiration an individual had via family, school, peers, mass media,
public opinion, volunteer groups and spirituality play an imperative role in their career
decision. However there is dearth of studies on influence of role models in mounting
entrepreneurial inclination especially among students in South-Asian perspective. An attempt
has been made to present a detailed empirical reconnaissance on effect of role models in
creating entrepreneurial intentions among postgraduate students in India. The study employs
the Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, in which intentions are regarded as upshots of attitudes,
subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Data were compiled via questionnaire
survey from 188 post-graduate students from science and non-science degree from a recognized
university in Tamilnadu, India. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was worked-out to
scrutinize the influence of role models on science and non-science postgraduate students’
entrepreneurial intention and the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention. The outcome of
the survey divulged that there is a significant relationship between the role models and level
attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms towards entrepreneurial activity.
