Studying the variability of entrepreneurial attitudes within different countries is
important in order to identify where attempts to increase entrepreneurial spirit and activity should
focus. This article analyzes differences within multiple countries, as well the causal relationship of
three attitudinal variables, namely, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and
entrepreneurial motivations with entrepreneurial intention. We used a cross-national framework
and analyzed the relation of four different countries with a sample of 800 students from Argentina
(200), Chile (200), Panama (200), and Spain (200). Results show variability in all attitudes between
countries with Panama rating the highest in most and Spain rating the lowest. Motivations
expressed for entrepreneurship are not statistically significant between most countries, which
suggests the perception of entrepreneurship as an engine for personal goals is high and similar in
all four countries. Regression analysis showed subjective norm’s effect is not statistically significant
in Argentina nor Chile for intentions, and Panama’s intentions are highly driven by entrepreneurial
motivations. These suggest policies and programs should tap on the fairly consistent
entrepreneurial spirit to capitalize on student’s interest in entrepreneurship, and pull them into
training programs to strengthen their competences.
