Role Model and Entrepreneurial Intentions by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Owners in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The study examined role model and entrepreneurial intentions of small and medium scale enterprises in Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically assessed the influence of role modelling on entrepreneurial intentions of small and medium scale owners in Edo State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised the small and medium scale enterprises owners in Edo State, which scale up to 1500. A sample of 235 small and medium entrepreneurs were studied. Primary data was sourced through the administration of structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using multiple regression at 0.5% level of significance. The study found that gender role model, education role model and age role model has significant effect on entrepreneurial intentions. The study concluded that entrepreneurial role model has a positive and significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions of small and medium scale enterprises business owners in Edo State. The main recommendation was that potential entrepreneurs should go beyond the intentional stage and venture into entrepreneurship with a spirit of innovation, competitiveness, and creativity.