Fostering Future Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Role of Extracurricular Engagement on University Campuses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is underscored by its potential to offer nuanced insights into the mechanisms through which extracurricular activities and entrepreneurial orientation impact students' entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intention.

Design: The study was carried out via Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and a meticulously designed survey questionnaire.

Findings: The connection between entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial intention further reinforces the study's contributions. The results illuminate that students embracing an entrepreneurial orientation exhibit a stronger inclination toward entrepreneurship. A proactive, innovative, and risk-taking mindset emerges as a critical catalyst, echoing Resource-Based View principles that emphasize the role of distinctive attributes in creating a competitive advantage. Entrepreneurial orientation, as an inherent characteristic, fuels self-efficacy, enabling students to envision and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors with confidence.

Theoretical Contribution: The theoretical contribution in this article offers a comprehensive exploration of the multi-faceted relationships between extracurricular activities, entrepreneurial orientation, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention among university students in Pakistan.

Practical Implications: The study's practical implications underscore the transformative potential of blending theoretical knowledge with experiential learning in the realm of entrepreneurship. As universities, policymakers, and students alike leverage these insights, they contribute to fostering a culture of innovation, enterprise, and socio-economic advancement within Pakistan.

Keywords: Extracurricular activities, entrepreneurial orientation, self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention, experiential learning, educational institutions, Pakistani students