Entrepreneurial Inclination and Entrepreneurial Characteristics of University Students: With Special Reference to University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

The purpose of this research paper is to explore the entrepreneurship profile of students of University of Kelaniya and to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial traits. In this study, six traits were identified according to the past literature. Namely, need for achievement, locus of control, risk taking propensity, tolerance of ambiguity self-confidence and innovativeness. And it was tested that, how this relationship varies with moderator variable, namely, gender. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. Data were collected from 240 undergraduates at the University of Kelaniya. Mainly mixed method approach was used to analyse data. The results revealed that need for achievement, locus of control, risk taking propensity, self-con?dence, and innovativeness positively affect entrepreneurial intention. But, tolerance of ambiguity did not positively affect entrepreneurial inclination. At the same time, they show that, the relationship between inclination and traits weaken by gender. These ?ndings were supported by qualitative study also. This study was provided insight into entrepreneurship education, as to which entrepreneurial characteristics can be developed to raise good entrepreneurs. Educational systems need to be oriented to emphasize and value entrepreneurship in order to promote an enterprise culture. Methods to teach entrepreneurship should also be explored further. This study will help to fill the gap in the existing body of knowledge and provide new knowledge in to the Sri Lankan context.