Predicting entrepreneurial intentions from work values: Implications for stimulating entrepreneurship in UAE national youth

Syed Awais Ahmad Tipu, James C. Ryan

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    26 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the current debate on value-intention link by investigating the hitherto unexplored relation between the concepts of the multidimensional work ethic profile and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). In addition, this research seeks to offer specific insight into the work values and EIs of United Arab Emirates (UAE) national youth in an effort to contribute to decision making and policy formation for enhancing entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 309 UAE youth completed an Arabic version of the short form multidimensional work ethic profile (MWEP-SF) and a measure of EI. Findings – Results confirm the value-intention link and support the view that values can direct work choices in entrepreneurship. The regression model identifies that the work ethics of wasted time, leisure, and self-reliance positively predict EI, while centrality of work is unrelated to EI. Originality/value – The relation between work values and EI of youth is underexplored in the context of the UAE. The current extreme underrepresentation of UAE nationals in the private sector of the UAE economy highlights a significant problem for the UAE strategy of workforce nationalization. As the current findings reveal that the UAE youth possess work values which can predict EIs, the policy initiatives in the UAE may encourage Emirati nationals to more actively participate in the new venture creation and development. This will potentially facilitate the government to achieve the balance between public sector employability and self-employment contributions in the private sector.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)610-629
    Number of pages20
    JournalManagement Decision
    Volume54
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 18 2016

    Keywords

    • Arab
    • Entrepreneurial intentions
    • UAE
    • Values
    • Work ethic
    • Youth

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Business,Management and Accounting
    • Management Science and Operations Research

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