A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN TIRUNELVELI

Abstract

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) among youth is widely recognised as a catalyst for
economic development and employment generation, yet empirical evidence from Tier-II Indian
cities, particularly among college student populations, remains sparse. This study investigates
the entrepreneurial orientation of college students in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, examining five
interrelated dimensions: individual EO traits, influencing factors, institutional support,
ecosystem awareness, and perceived barriers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 72
college students selected through convenience sampling across undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-square
tests, and Pearson correlation. The findings reveal a moderately high overall EO score (x̄ = 3.73
on a 5-point scale), with resilience in failure (x̄ = 4.06) and goal-orientation (x̄ = 3.97) as the
strongest individual traits. Inspirational role models were the most influential external factor (x̄
= 3.79), while awareness of financial assistance mechanisms was the lowest-rated ecosystem
variable (x̄ = 2.81). ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in EO scores across
courses of study (F = 5.303, p = 0.002). Pearson correlation confirmed significant positive
associations between institutional college support and EO (r = 0.418, p = 0.0003) and between
entrepreneurial ecosystem awareness and EO (r = 0.290, p = 0.013). Lack of mentorship and
guidance emerged as the most severe perceived barrier (x̄ = 3.73). The study offers evidence-
based recommendations for institutions, policy-makers, and educators seeking to strengthen
entrepreneurial culture among students in non-metropolitan contexts.