Entrepreneurial intention, initial entrepreneurial behavior and social cognitive career theory

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the factors explaining Brazilian undergraduate students entrepreneurial intention and its influence on the initial entrepreneurial behavior development by applying social cognitive career theory (SCCT) considering the recession economic variable. Method: The research is a descriptive study adopting Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equations Modeling as statistical procedures for validation of the conceptual model proposed. 498 questionnaires, answered by students from a University established in the Northeast of Brazil, were analyzed. Results: Among the main results, it is highlighted the inference that university students develop individual entrepreneurial behavior as the entrepreneurial intention increases. In addition, it is highlighted that the variable economic recession context has a direct and positive impact on the entrepreneurial interest, entrepreneurial intention and the initial entrepreneurial behavior of university student. Theoretical contributions: Among the theoretical contributions, it was proved that the cognitive career theory is appropriate and adheres to the entrepreneurial intention research. Practical contributions: As a practical contribution, it is expected that this work will be used by university managers to create an entrepreneurial learning environment focused on the skills and competencies needed to enter the market and face the challenges of the current environment.