ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE OF UNIVERSITY MANAGERS AND GRADUATES’ SELF EMPLOYMENT IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the relationship between the entrepreneurial culture of university managers and graduate’s self-employment in Tanzania. The study was guided by four research questions including: What are the perceptions of the university managers on their roles in promoting entrepreneurial culture to prepare undergraduates for self-employment? How do university managers cultivate entrepreneurial culture to prepare undergraduates for self-employment? How has the promotion of entrepreneurship culture influenced undergraduate readiness for selfemployment? What mechanisms are effective in cultivating entrepreneurial culture to prepare undergraduates for self-employment? The theory of Planned Behavior guided this study. A convergent parallel design under a mixed-method research approach was used to collect data. Data was collected from university managers, lecturers, alumni, and undergraduates totaling 387 participants from the three universities in Northern Tanzania. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques under probability sampling were employed in selecting universities and students. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques under non-probability sampling were used in selecting university managers, lecturers, and alumni. Research instruments were piloted for validity, reliability, and trustworthiness purposes. A questionnaire, interviews guide, and document analysis guide were used to gather the data. Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze quantitative data by applying frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests. Thematic analysis and use of narrative and verbatim citations were used for qualitative data. Ethical considerations were observed in the study. Findings show that the university managers acknowledged their responsibility to cultivate an entrepreneurship culture in preparing students for self-employment. It was also found that, a significant percentage of recognizes management efforts to promote entrepreneurship culture through the inclusion of entrepreneurship courses across university curricula. The findings also highlighted the significance of experiential and practical learning and teaching in universities. The results of the chi-square test confirmed a significant relationship between the promotion of entrepreneurial culture and undergraduates’ readiness for self-employment. Practical teaching methods and support mechanisms were also seen as crucial in preparing students for self-employment. The study concluded that the perceptions of university managers on their roles in promoting entrepreneurial culture to prepare undergraduates for self-employment were predominantly positive. Universities provide several resources to help students improve their entrepreneurial talents, to a certain extent. Promoting entrepreneurship culture and undergraduates' preparation for self-employment are positively and significantly correlated. The study recommended universities provide adequate resources to support the development of entrepreneurial activities to develop entrepreneurial skills. The undergraduates should actively engage in activities that nurture entrepreneurial skills and attitudes. The value of entrepreneurship education should be acknowledged by legislators, who should also fund programs that foster an entrepreneurial culture in institutions. Universities should collaborate with external stakeholders including industries and agencies to provide practical experiences, internships, and mentorship opportunities to undergraduates.