Search

This paper examines factors of entrepreneurial intentions for Slovenia and Australia. Since many economic and cultural differences between the two countries exist, the objective of the study was to establish whether there are also any important differences between Slovenian and Australian model of entrepreneurial intentions. Our study is based on the Adult population survey (APS) that is taking place within the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) research project. In the study data collected within APS in the 2014 were used. In the first phase of the study the links between human capital and demographic characteristics of individuals, their perceptions of cultural support for entrepreneurship, role models, opportunity perception, entrepreneurial experience and entrepreneurial intentions were analyzed. In the next phase it was checked whether there were any country differences in the relationships between variables in the model. As a result, it was found that actually not many differences between Slovenian and Australian model of the entrepreneurial intentions exist; the differences were determined only regarding two variables, namely age and entrepreneurial experience. The entrepreneurs in Australia who have entrepreneurial experiences are more likely to perceive entrepreneurial intentions than those in Slovenia. In the Slovenian model though, a more important effect of age on entrepreneurial intentions can be observed, when compared to that in the Australian model. Young individuals in Slovenia tend to perceive more entrepreneurial intentions, as compared to older ones, than their Australian counterparts. The study also indicates that for Slovenian adult population one of very important factors in entrepreneurial intentions creation is to know a successful entrepreneur, which then has a significant impact on their entrepreneurial intentions creation, while for their Australian counterparts, this factor remains insignificant. The interesting conclusion of the study is that despite many differences in development and those regarding cultures, entrepreneurial intentions are shaped similar in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurial intentions may be viewed as a first step in the process of venture creation. In this paper we utilize the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data base to study similarities and differences between the two neighboring countries, Slovenia and Croatia, regarding the intentions of individuals to start their own business. This study has found that both human capital (confidence in one's skills and fear of failure) and demographic factors (gender and age) have significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions. We also found that the cultural values and role models' support (media intention and role models) have significant effect on entrepreneurial intentions, while perceiving entrepreneurship as a good career choice and perceived high status of an entrepreneur in society do not. Individuals who perceive more opportunities in their environment are also more likely to perceive entrepreneurial intentions. Any entrepreneurial past experiences has a very significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions; therefore exploring entrepreneurial intentions of individuals at a time when we are faced with high unemployment rate is extremely important for both the Slovenian as well as Croatian economy. Entrepreneurial intentions may represent the beginning of the realization of entrepreneurial ideas and thus also play a role in supporting job creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]