Causal Attributions of Poverty and Attitude towards Entrepreneurship as Solution to Poverty as Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intentions

Abstract

Poverty has always been a problem in the Philippines. According to the preliminary findings of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) in 2021— approximately 19.99 million Filipinos fell below the poverty line. Thus, this study investigated how 4Ps beneficiaries in Catarman, Northern Samar attributed the causes of poverty as well as their attitudes towards entrepreneurship as a means of eradicating it. Findings revealed that respondents agree that poverty is internally caused, they however only moderately agree to lack of effort or no attempt for self-improvement. It can be inferred that the respondents may have made certain efforts to improve their economic situation. Surprisingly the respondents agree that the Government somehow contributed to their poverty. Despite being a beneficiary and receiving certain amount of money at some period of time the respondents seemed to still expect from the government to provide assistance as regards livelihood assistance and agricultural support. Further, respondents agree that lack of opportunity is a cause of their poverty, it can be inferred that the respondents are probably willing to improve their economic conditions but may not have the opportunity to do so. Respondents somewhat have positive attitude towards Entrepreneurship as Solution to Poverty. This can be a good indicator that they are somewhat willing to improve their economic conditions by engaging in entrepreneurship provided they will be given needed skills, assistance and opportunities. Further, Entrepreneurial Intentions of respondents as to engagement in entrepreneurship revealed that respondents have moderate intentions of becoming an entrepreneur, it could be implied that respondents given the right opportunity may become an entrepreneur. Using Pearson correlation statistical data showed that the perceived attitude towards entrepreneurship as solution poverty has significant relationship with Entrepreneurial Intentions. This indicates that a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship may positively contribute to one’s Entrepreneurial Intentions.