Impact of familial, sociocultural factors, entrepreneurship barriers, and intrinsic motivation on the entrepreneurial attitude of engineering students.

Abstract

Abstract - The participation of women in engineering and technology careers still faces significant gender gaps and barriers, wasting potential female talent for innovation. This quantitative study analyzed the impact of familial, sociocultural factors, perceived barriers, and intrinsic motivation on the entrepreneurial attitude of 91 female engineering students at a Latin American university. Using structural equation models, it was found that attitude has a direct positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, explaining 51.5% of its variance. A supportive family environment and internal motivation were linked to pro-entrepreneurial attitudes. However, no inhibitory relationships of barriers or the sociocultural context on attitudes were found. Neither age nor the type of institution verified as moderating roles. The findings underscore the importance of engineering education in shaping personal beliefs and motivations of students to strengthen their inclinations to undertake technological entrepreneurial projects during their initial professional stage.