Examining the entrepreneurial behaviour of social studies undergraduate teacher-trainees of the University Of Education, Winneba

Abstract

This study examined the entrepreneurial behaviour of Social Studies undergraduate teacher trainees of the University of Education, Winneba. The study was guided by the theories of planned behaviour and entrepreneurial event. The convergent parallel mixed method was used as the design for the study. The sample for the study consisted of 750 respondents. Comprehensive (census) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the sample for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for the study through interview guide and questionnaire respectively. Quantitative data were analysed through the generation of descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, means, percentages and standard deviations. Inferential statistics such as independent-sample t-test, Pearson product moment correlation, multiple linear regressions and a one-way ANCOVA were used in analyzing the research hypothesis. Qualitative data on the other hand were analysed thematically. Findings from both data showed that UEW undergraduate teacher trainees from the Department of Social Studies Education exhibit high level of entrepreneurial behaviour with a higher probability of starting their own businesses after school. They, however, see financial constraints as the main impediment that could hinder their dreams. It was therefore, recommended that government should provide interest free loans to graduates who desire to start their own businesses to reduce the pressure on it to provide employment for school leavers. In addition, government should liaise with Bank of Ghana to reduce interest rates on loans in order to make it feasible for nascent entrepreneurs to access such facilities.