Entrepreneurial Intention among Female Industrial Product Designers in Saudi Arabia: A Theory of Planned Behavior Perspective

Authors

  • Nur Fadhilah Mohd Omar Faculty of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia , Industrial Design Department, College of Design Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
  • Wan Noor Faaizah Wan Omar* Corresponding author | Faculty of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kedah, Malaysia
  • Hema Zulaika Hashim Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kedah, Malaysia
  • Azyyati Anuar Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kedah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/ijad.v10i2/3mg4z488

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Industrial Design, Female Designers, Saudi Arabia, Entrepreneurial Intention

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has gained significant attention across innovation, community development, and economic growth, particularly among creative and innovative organisations. However, its specific implications for industrial design, particularly regarding intention and behaviour, remain underexplored. This study focuses on understanding the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control as outlined in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and their impact on entrepreneurship among young female designers in Saudi Arabia. To conduct this research, a cross-sectional survey design was utilised, targeting 311 young female designers and students. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, including both graduates and current students in the field. The survey was administered online, and a paper-based version was distributed to respondents in January and February 2025, enabling wider participation, increasing the response rate, broadening the survey's reach, and enhancing the generalizability of the results. The findings highlighted a significant influence of attitude and perceived behavioural control on the intention to engage in entrepreneurship. Interestingly, while participants showed strong entrepreneurial intentions, subjective norms did not appear to have a supportive role in this context. The results underline the psychological drivers that encourage young female designers to consider entrepreneurship but also point out how social support systems can be a barrier to realising these ambitions. Overall, this study sheds light on the entrepreneurial landscape for young female designers in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of fostering a supportive environment that aligns with their entrepreneurial aspirations.

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21.10.2026

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