The Role of Motivation in Mediating the Effect of Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Self-Efficacy on Students’ Entrepreneurial Interest (a Study on Students of the Institute of Technology and Business Widya Gama Lumajang in 2024)

Abstract

Institute of Technology and Business Widya Gama Lumajang (Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Widya Gama Lumajang) is the largest university in Lumajang Regency and actively takes part in efforts to increase students' interest in entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of motivation in mediating the effect of entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy on students’ entrepreneurial interest. This research employs a quantitative method using path analysis to test the relationships between variables. Data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to students using a purposive sampling technique. The results of the study indicate that entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy do not directly influence entrepreneurial interest. However, both entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy affect motivation, and motivation, in turn, influences entrepreneurial interest. Motivation is capable of mediating the influence of entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial interest. The implication of this research is that entrepreneurship learning should be made more interactive through hands-on practice and mentoring in order to increase students’ motivation. Future researchers may consider other variables such as attitude, innovation, social support, family environment, and social media.