The Effects of Disability on Entrepreneurial Intention. A Case Study of Bulawayo Metropolitan, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study examines the effects of disability on entrepreneurial intention among individuals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The research investigates the influence of several independent variables, including personal attitudes towards entrepreneurship, self-efficacy/perceived feasibility, previous entrepreneurial experience, social norms and cultural values, and availability of resources. The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between disability and entrepreneurial intention, as well as the factors that contribute to or hinder entrepreneurial aspirations among individuals with disabilities. The study employs a quantitative research approach, collecting data through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of participants in Bulawayo. Descriptive statistics are utilised to analyse the responses and determine the average scores for each construct. Hypotheses are formulated based on the findings from the data analysis. The results reveal that individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo exhibit a strong positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, indicating a significant relationship between personal attitudes and entrepreneurial intention. The study also finds a high level of self-efficacy and perceived feasibility among participants, suggesting a direct positive association between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, individuals with previous entrepreneurial experience demonstrate a greater likelihood of having a higher level of entrepreneurial intention, underscoring the positive relationship between previous entrepreneurial experience and entrepreneurial intention. The findings indicate that the social norms and cultural values within the communities of individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo highly value entrepreneurship. This positive influence of social norms and cultural values is found to be associated with higher levels of entrepreneurial intention. However, the study reveals that individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly in terms of limited access to financial capital, training and education, and market opportunities. Despite these challenges, the availability of resources, such as capital, knowledge, and networks, is found to have an indirect positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. Overall, the findings suggest that personal attitudes, self-efficacy/perceived feasibility, previous entrepreneurial experience, social norms and cultural values, and availability of resources significantly impact entrepreneurial intention among individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo. The study contributes to the existing literature on disability and entrepreneurship, providing insights into the factors that influence entrepreneurial aspirations among individuals with disabilities. The findings have implications for policymakers, organisations, and support systems seeking to promote entrepreneurship and enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo and similar contexts.