The impact of entrepreneurial locus of control in improvisational behavior: an analytical study of the opinions of investors in private universities and colleges in central and southern Iraq*

Abstract

The current study aims to measure the effect of entrepreneurial locus of control  on improvisational behavior in private universities in central and southern Iraq, and to identify the reality of the situation of the universities in the study community to help them solve the problems they face and develop appropriate solutions to overcome these problems.

To reach the goal(s) of the study, the questionnaire form was used as a tool for the study and was prepared according to the five-point Likert scale, as it consisted of three axes. the firest axis included the entrepreneurial locus of control variable, which includes three dimensions (General locus of control, general self-efficacy, and self-esteem), by relying on the scale (Schjoedt & Shaver, 2012), which includes (3) items for each dimension . The second variable focuses on improvisational behavior as a main variable consisting of three dimensions: (creativity, proactiveness, and risk-taking) by relying on the scale (Jong et al., 2013), which includes (3) items for each dimension.

(420) questionnaires were distributed to investors, owners, and leaders working in universities, and (393) questionnaires were returned, meaning that the response rate was 94%. After scrutiny, (9) questionnaires were excluded because they did not meet the conditions of statistical analysis, so that the sample was (384). Therefore, the sample was (384). The number of questionnaires suitable for analysis was (369) questionnaires after deleting (15) answers as they were considered anomalous data. The descriptive analytical method was relied upon in this study.

For the purpose of analyzing the data collected, some statistical methods were used, such as the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, as well as the structural modeling equation (SEM), the simple correlation coefficient, and impact analysis using the Smart PLS statistical analysis program. Several results were reached, the most important of which is the existence of a correlation and impact between the variables of the study. Although this relationship varies at the level of sub-dimensions, the most prominent recommendations of the study are to work to achieve a balance between the need to make quick decisions while adhering to procedures and responsibilities.