A Non-Parametric Analysis of The Relationship Between Business Experience and Entrepreneurial Intention of Final-Semester MBA Students in Nepal

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between prior business experience and entrepreneurial intention among final-semester MBA students in Nepal. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 257 final-semester MBA students from five major Nepalese universities, using a structured questionnaire to measure business experience and entrepreneurial intention. Non-parametric statistical methods, including Pearson's chi-square test, Cramér's V, and Goodman-Kruskal's lambda, were employed for analysis. Family business exposure showed a statistically significant association with entrepreneurial intention (χ² = 12.847, p = 0.012, Cramér's V = 0.158), with 68.5% of exposed students expressing intent to start a business within three years compared to 52.1% of those without exposure. Personal business experience was associated with a stronger relationship (χ² = 10.394, p = 0.006, Cramér's V = 0.201), with 68.0% of experienced students exhibiting entrepreneurial intention compared to 50.8% of those without experience. The combined business experience index showed a positive trend but did not reach statistical significance (χ² = 8.421, p = 0.077). Personal business experience exhibited the strongest predictive value (λ = 0.156), followed by family business exposure (λ = 0.127). Gender moderation effects were observed, with business experience showing stronger associations among male students. The convenience sampling approach and cross-sectional design limit the generalizability of the findings. This research represents one of the few systematic investigations of the relationships between business experience and entrepreneurial intention in the Nepalese MBA context, contributing to the entrepreneurship education literature in developing economies. MBA programs should integrate experiential learning opportunities, family business case studies, and structured business exposure to enhance the development of entrepreneurial intentions.