Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior – A Longitudinal Study of Entrepreneurial Intentions

Abstract Most recent research about entrepreneurial intent (EI) examines EI and its determinants as a one-time event, but whether and how EI is continuously changing during early-stage entrepreneurship has not been adequately addressed. We track the shifts in the EI of young creative sector early-stage entrepreneurs vis-à-vis their changing external circumstances and their developing perceptions of the realities of business start-up. Our findings of 11 established and 10 new determinants of EI contribute to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and guide our appreciation of EI as a dynamic, longitudinal construct, which is the link between intent and realized action. Our findings have profound implications for policy-makers and practitioners, for instance those wishing to help early-stage entrepreneurs to establish businesses when they only possess limited entrepreneurial experience. This research study, therefore, responds to calls for more longitudinal qualitative research into the determinants of EI, entrepreneurial processes, and early business exit.