ORCID
- Sarah Preedy: 0000-0001-5351-5751
Abstract
PurposeTo examine the process of entrepreneurial identity and intent formation in Higher Education(HE) and to assess the contribution of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education (EEE) aspart of this process.Design/MethodologyThe study adopted a mixed method, longitudinal research design. An e-survey (n=145)obtained baseline data on entrepreneurial intentions and identity at the start of a group ofundergraduate students’ first academic year. Based on an ideal-typical sampling strategyeighteen students completed fortnightly diary entries over the course of the academic year.FindingsIn-year fluctuations in and between entrepreneurial identity and intent scores werepronounced. This challenges perceptions of an uncomplicated, linear relationship betweenboth constructs. Explaining these fluctuations, two types of developmental trajectory wereidentified: ‘convergence’ whereby identity and intent scores came closer together as the yearprogressed and ‘synchronicity’ whereby scores fell and rose in tandem. The contribution ofEEE although overall positive in relation to an increase in identity and intent scores, wasmitigated by a challenging career-developmental setting adding to calls for a more contextualunderstanding of the impact of EEE.OriginalityA limited number of studies have examined the development of entrepreneurial identity orintent using a longitudinal design; with none seeking to explain their co-development overtime. The adopted longitudinal design has achieved a more detailed understanding of theshaping of entrepreneurial identity and intent and the role of EEE in this process.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-09-16
Publication Title
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
Volume
31
Issue
9
ISSN
1355-2554
Acceptance Date
2025-05-26
Deposit Date
2025-06-04
Additional Links
Keywords
Enterprise education, Entrepreneurial intention, Identity
First Page
2271
Last Page
2294
Recommended Citation
Preedy, S., McLuskie, P., Walmsley, A., & Smith, K. (2025) 'Development of Entrepreneurial Identity and Intent in the early years of Higher Education', International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 31(9), pp. 2271-2294. Available at: 10.1108/IJEBR-08-2023-0879
