The effect of family structure on entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial intention

Entrepreneurship is the engine of economic development and prosperity; It is the source of innovation and creativity. Entrepreneurs transform idle resources into added value. For this reason, they are considered to be the precursors of development and prosperity. University students are young people with entrepreneurial potential. Identifying the factors affecting the entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial intention of these young people will help determine the right strategies for how they should be supported. Family has a role that affects and supports the career choices of individuals. In this context, it is thought that conducting research to determine the impact of the family structure, in which the individual lives and grows up and which shapes their personality, on entrepreneurial inclination and intention would be meaningful. So, whether family structure affects entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial intention was investigated in this study. The research covered senior students studying at Mersin University Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Faculty of Communication, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Tourism, and Jewelry Technology and Design Vocational School. Quota sampling was used as the sampling technique according to the faculties. The research data were collected and analyzed by the researcher using face to face and drop-pick technique through the Family Structure Assessment Tool, Entrepreneurial Inclination and Entrepreneurial Intention Scales in the spring term of the 2021-2022 academic year. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analyzes were used in the analysis of the data. Firstly, the relationship between family structure and the dimensions of entrepreneurial inclination was examined. According to the analysis result, family harmony positively and significantly affects self-confidence, innovation, need for achievement, internal control orientation, and risk-taking tendency among the dimensions of entrepreneurial inclination, while negatively and significantly affecting tolerance for uncertainty. Secondly, the relationship between the dimensions of entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial intention was examined. According to the analysis results, the dimensions of entrepreneurial inclination, namely achievement need, propensity to take risks, and tolerance for uncertainty, have a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial intention, whereas self-confidence, innovativeness, and internal control focus have a negative and significant effect on entrepreneurial intention. Finally, the relationship between family structure and entrepreneurial intention was examined; It was concluded that harmony in family structure does not have a direct effect on entrepreneurial intention. Keywords: Family Structure, Entrepreneurial Inclination, Entrepreneurial Intention