Factors Associated with Entrepreneurial Intentions among Male Return Migrant Workers of Bangladesh: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract:

This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of return migrant workers in Bangladesh and the factors driving their transition into business. Guided by Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, the study analyzes attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control among 302 male return migrant workers from Comilla, Cox's Bazar, and Mymensingh, who predominantly worked in the Gulf region. A mixed -method explanatory sequential design involves survey data analysis and thematic analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews with teachers, social leaders, market association leaders, NGO representatives, and BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) officers. The findings show that the three TPB constructs were positively associated with entrepreneurial intention, jointly explaining 62.5% of its variance. In the barrier-only model, regulatory and market barriers showed positive associations, while skill barriers showed a negative association with entrepreneurial intention; these barrier associations were not statistically significant in the combined model. Barriers comprise financial, regulatory, market access, skill recognition, and psychosocial issues. The study calls for policy reforms in regulation, skill certification, microfinance, training, and psychosocial support to enable sustainable entrepreneurship for returnees.